Entertainment
Pahalgam Terror Attack Derails Gulaal Shoot with Fawad Khan, Abir Chatterjee
The brutal Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians on April 22, has thrown a wrench into Bollywood’s Kashmir plans. Gulaal, a high-profile film starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bengali star Abir Chatterjee, has paused its valley shoot, the first major production hit by the escalating unrest.
What Happened?
- Shoot Disrupted: The Gulaal crew, set to film in Pahalgam’s scenic meadows, halted work after the attack.
- Safety Pivot: Producers are huddling with J&K Police to beef up security or find new locations.
- Stars Secure: Fawad Khan and Abir Chatterjee are safe, holed up in a Srinagar hotel.
Producer’s Statement
“We’re putting safety first. No shooting until the government gives the all-clear,” said producer Shibasish Sarkar.
About Gulaal
- Genre: Cross-border romance thriller
- Plot: A Pakistani musician (Khan) and an Indian journalist (Chatterjee) navigate love and tension in Kashmir.
- Significance: Fawad Khan’s big Bollywood return after 2016’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, paired with Chatterjee’s Hindi breakout.
Industry Fallout
- Other Projects Stalled: At least two films, including a Vicky Kaushal spy thriller, are rethinking Kashmir schedules.
- Insurance Hike: Costs for J&K shoots are climbing as insurers get jittery.
- Economic Hit: Bollywood’s Kashmir love affair, fueled by 2024’s 3.5 million tourists, takes a blow.
Political Backdrop
- Fawad’s Heat: Right-wing groups had already griped about Khan’s casting, citing India-Pakistan tensions.
- Tourism Clash: J&K’s ₹200 crore film tourism push, banking on valley backdrops, faces a security gut-check.
Celebrity Reactions
- Abir Chatterjee: “Gutted for Kashmir. This land deserves peace and stories, not violence.”
- Karan Johar (Co-producer): Mum so far, but whispers suggest he’s eyeing studio sets to keep rolling.
What’s Next?
- Plan B Locations: Himachal Pradesh or Maharashtra could sub for Kashmir’s vistas.
- Release Slip: Gulaal’s 2026 debut might slide if the valley stays off-limits.
The Pahalgam tragedy has Bollywood scrambling, with Gulaal’s fate hanging on Kashmir’s volatile calm. Keep watch for updates.
