Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor is at the center of a growing storm on social media following her promotional activities for her upcoming film Abir Gulaal, which co-stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. The timing of these promotions just days after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir has led to intense public criticism, with many accusing the actress of being insensitive to the national mood.
A Nation in Mourning, a Star in the Spotlight
The April 18 attack, which claimed the lives of several innocent tourists, has left the country grieving. As tributes poured in from all corners, many expected public figures, especially celebrities with influence, to pause and reflect. Instead, Kapoor was seen participating in music launches and Instagram live interactions on April 19 and April 21, where she praised her co-star and promoted the film. A promotional post she shared on Tuesday morning has since been deleted but the damage was already done.
Social media erupted with hashtags like #BoycottVaaniKapoor and #BoycottAbirGulaal, with many users calling her actions a “betrayal.” One user commented, “Shame on these low-life people who dance on people’s grave,” while another wrote, “You betrayed our nation, Vaani.”
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Controversy Clouds Abir Gulaal
Abir Gulaal was already under scrutiny due to Fawad Khan’s casting. The Pakistani actor, known for his roles in Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, has been absent from Bollywood for years amid deteriorating Indo-Pak relations. Earlier this year, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) warned that it would not allow the film’s release in Maharashtra due to Khan’s involvement.
Now, with Kapoor’s perceived lack of sensitivity, the controversy has deepened. The future of the film looks uncertain as calls for a boycott grow louder.
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Also Read: Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal Banned in India? Film Bodies Demand Action
A Career at Crossroads
The backlash is not just limited to Abir Gulaal. Many netizens have threatened to boycott Kapoor’s other upcoming projects, including Raid 2 with Ajay Devgn, scheduled for release on May 1.
While Kapoor has not issued a statement yet, many believe that a gesture of solidarity or even a few words acknowledging the national tragedy could have made all the difference. In a time of collective grief, silence can often be louder than words.
Only time will tell how this controversy impacts Vaani Kapoor’s career and the fate of Abir Gulaal, but the message from the public is clear: empathy matters.
