Dia Mirza clarifies on her support for Fawad Khan amid 'Abir Gulaal' release being banned in India

Actor Dia Mirza issued a clarification on Wednesday, distancing herself from the ongoing controversy surrounding the release of Abir Gulaal, which stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. Her earlier comments supporting Fawad’s Bollywood return had resurfaced online following a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.

In a note shared on Instagram, Dia addressed the issue, stating that her remarks were made weeks prior to the incident and were being misrepresented. She urged media outlets to stop circulating the quote, highlighting that the context had changed dramatically since then.

Dia explained that the original interview took place on April 10, during promotions for her own project. In the interview, she had spoken in favor of allowing space for artistic exchange and collaboration. However, following the April 22 attack in Kashmir, her earlier comments began recirculating, sparking criticism online.

Her original quote focused on separating artistic work from geopolitical tensions. Dia had voiced her belief that cultural connections should not be interrupted due to political developments. While the statement reflected her views at the time, she clarified that its renewed circulation after a national tragedy was misleading and inappropriate.

Following the attack, Abir Gulaal, a film marking Fawad Khan’s return to Hindi cinema, became the center of controversy. Several organizations and groups called for a boycott of the film, citing national sentiment and ongoing tensions with Pakistan. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) restated its earlier directive prohibiting collaborations with Pakistani talent and announced that it would not support the release of the film in India.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting later confirmed that Abir Gulaal would not be allowed to release domestically, putting an official end to the speculation surrounding its theatrical debut in the country.

Dia’s statement adds to the broader discussion about how art, politics, and public sentiment intersect in high-tension moments. While the debate continues, the incident underscores how timing and context can alter public reception of previously non-controversial views. As the industry responds to shifting ground realities, more voices are expected to weigh in on the future of cross-border collaborations.