Fawad Khan, Vaani Kapoor Commence Romcom ‘Abir Gulaal’ in London

Pakistan superstar Fawad Khan and Bollywood star Vaani Kapoor have started shooting romantic comedy “Abir Gulaal” at locations in and around London.

The film is directed by Aarti S. Bagdi (“Chalti Rahe Zindagi”) and produced by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens and Aarjay Pictures. Producers include Vivek B. Agrawal, Avantika Hari and Rakesh Sippy. It will be shot in the U.K. over October and November.

Bagdi said: “The film explores the journey of two individuals who unintentionally help each other heal, with love blossoming as an unexpected consequence.”

Since 2016, there has been an unofficial ban on Pakistani artists working in Indian films, following political disputes between the two countries. However, in 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking to officially ban Pakistani artists from working in India. “Arts, music, sports, culture, dance, and so on are the activities which rise above nationalities, cultures, and nations and truly bring about peace, tranquility, unity, and harmony in nation and between nations,” the court had said in its ruling.

Khan enjoys heartthrob status in India, having played the lead in Bollywood hits “Khoobsurat” (2014) and “Kapoor & Sons” (2016). He also starred in “Ms. Marvel” (2022) and “The Legend of Maula Jatt” (2022), Pakistan’s biggest hit of all time. The Indian release of “Maula Jatt” is currently on hold after a right-wing fringe group objected to it. Khan is also the lead of hit Zindagi series “Barzakh,” which debuted at Series Mania in 2023.

Kapoor, who won critical acclaim playing a transgender character in film “Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui” (2021) is also the lead in upcoming Netflix crime thriller series “Mandala Murders” and coming-of-age Bollywood drama-comedy “Badtameez Gill.”

The “Abir Gulaal” producers said: “Fawad has a massive global fan base, and we anticipate that audiences and his fans will wholeheartedly embrace this film, as it showcases him in his most endearing role yet. The chemistry between Fawad and Vaani is expected to light up the screen with their captivating performances and undeniable charm.”