We adored Fawad Khan when he shook a leg on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and got a little shy on Comedy Nights with Kapil during the Khoobsurat promotions. Two years later, he was equally charming while promoting Kapoor And Sons. Sadly, the anti-Pak wave has meant that Fawad Khan won’t be promoting Ae Dil Hai Mushkil at all. We had heard the makers had planned to keep his role as the surprise package but the protests have meant that Fawad is totally missing in action. The promotions will be done by Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Anushka Sharma. (Also Read: After Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan breaks silence on India-Pakistan tensions)
As per the buzz, it seems creatives of comedy shows have been instructed that there should no mention of Fawad Khan even in the jokes. Moreover, the Pakistan angle too should be avoided. An actor from the sets of Comedy Nights Bachao Tazaa told us, “We heard that the team of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil will be coming on our show. The picture should be clearer in a couple of days as to when will they shoot. Ranbir Kapoor will be coming along with one of the leading ladies. I am unaware of a diktat from the makers but seeing the sensitive political situation, we are sure the writers will be careful. It is unlikely that we will see any political jokes on the show.”
A spokesperson from Sony that airs The Kapil Sharma Show told us, “Ranbir Kapoor will shoot with us for Super Dancer as part of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil promotions. It is a dance show for kids so the humour will be very light. We have not heard anything about a special request to avoid jokes on Fawad Khan or Pakistan. The details of them coming on Kapil’s show are being worked out as of now.” (Also Read: Salman Khan’s plan to help Aishwarya Rai’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil will leave you surprised!)
We know how IMPPA (Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association) told the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena that Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was shot before the tensions at the Indo-Pak border started. This is why they thawed their stance on Fawad Khan. It is impossible for the makers to replace the actor at the last minute but we hear that the nationalities of the leading ladies are being tweaked. There are reasons why the film’s team does not want any jokes on Fawad Khan or Pakistan for that matter. The release date of the film is getting closer and any further drama might affect everyone’s morale.
This also means that the promotions will focus solely on Ranbir Kapoor. The grapevine was abuzz with how the actor apparently told the makers to shorten Fawad’s presence in the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil trailer as he was insecure of his presence. With the Pakistani heartthrob missing from action, it is all left in RK Junior’s hand. The actor, as per sources, does not want any Fawad Khan jokes as well. It is understandable to avoid any unnecessary awkwardness. It is a huge clash at the box office this Diwali with Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil taking on Ajay Devgn’s action-drama, Shivaay. With a lot at stake, the makers and actors seem to be surely treading cautiously!
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