Just a couple of weeks before the release of Karan Johar’s much-awaited Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, KJo has decided not to include Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan in the promotions of his upcoming film, reports Indian Express.
The film which stars Anushka Sharma, Ranbir Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai in lead roles also stars Fawad Khan in an extended cameo, but since the uprising against Pakistani artists working in India and the ban thereafter, Karan Johar has reworked the promotional strategy for ADHM.
According to the publication’s source, the three leads along with KJo will be a part of the promotions, however, the Kapoor & Sons actor will not.
“We are waiting for Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor to kick-start the promotions as they are busy with their prior commitments. They will be there to promote the film from mid-October,” the source disclosed.
The film, which is set to release on October 28th, may face a backlash from Hindu right-wing parties, as they demand that the Pakistani actor’s scenes be replaced with Indian talent.
Whether the film will be screened in India is yet to be seen. The members of the Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) said that they will consider the ban on Indian films featuring Pakistani actors, like Raees, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Dear Zindagi, on Friday, October 7.
COEAI President Niting Datar said, “The members will be meeting on Friday and we’ll decide on the matter. But one thing is for certain – the decision will be taken keeping the wishes and the sentiment of the public. We won’t go against them.”
Earlier, The Kapoor & Sons actor who played the role of Indian cricketer and test captain Virat Kohli in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story had his scenes chopped off from the movie by the director after the threats.
He was a part of the film till a week before the release.
The director Neeraj Pandey has adopted the stance that Fawad’s role has been omitted to prevent Indian extremists’ reaction.
According to details, the director didn’t want any negative publicity or controversy around the film.
Though Fawad Khan’s character was an integral part of the film, but it wasn’t as important as that of MS Dhoni’s.
So the director thought it’s better to do away with the Fawad’s portions in the film than face the ire of the controversy.
