Fawad Khan's Bollywood comeback with Vaani Kapoor explores romance, food, and freedom

Khaleej Times

21-04-2025

Under the soft glow of a high-end lounge at Dubai Mall's Reel Cinemas, away from the earlier frenzy of a press conference packed with influencers, journalists, and fans eager for a glimpse, Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor sat down for a quiet, intimate chat. It was the kind of moment that felt both relaxed and historic—especially considering what it took to get here.
Behind the velvet ropes and the spotlight, the atmosphere was meticulous. A list of media dos and don'ts had been circulated well in advance. Questions were to steer clear of controversy, and conversations were expected to remain squarely on the film. The restraint wasn't surprising. After all, Abir Gulaal marks Khan's much-awaited return to Bollywood—nearly a decade since his last Hindi film—and comes at a time when borders between art and politics have only grown more charged.
Khan, an actor, singer, and producer with an unwavering fanbase in India, announced his Bollywood comeback earlier in the month, sending social media into a collective swoon. The announcement, according to reports, comes 18 months after an Indian court effectively ruled that the de facto industry ban on Pakistani artists—imposed in 2016—was unlawful. For many, Abir Gulaal isn't just another romantic drama; it is the reopening of possibilities.
And yet, when the duo spoke, none of that weight was apparent. They were breezy, candid, and effortlessly charming—much like the film itself.
Their latest cinematic outing is a romantic comedy set in the vibrant food scene of London, where Gulaal (played by Kapoor), a free-spirited aspiring chef, finds herself clashing—and eventually connecting—with her uptight restaurateur boss, Abir (played by Khan).
'It felt like a breeze,' Khan said with a soft grin. 'After the intense work I've done in the past few years (The Legend of Maula Jatt, Barzakh), this was light-hearted. Something you come back to, unwind, go to sleep, and not have to think too much. Plus, it's about chefs and restaurants—I love being in the kitchen.'
'Same,' Kapoor nodded. 'I was craving something like this. Gulaal has this childlike quality—I think she's kind of like my alter ego. And of course, working with Fawad was a huge plus. He's so talented.'
There's an unmistakable ease between them, both on and off screen. Their characters are cut from different cloths—Abir is reserved and measured; Gulaal is spontaneous and unfiltered. Yet, their chemistry works, perhaps because it draws strength from the tension.
'It's like two worlds collide,' he said.
'And that's what makes it fun,' she added. 'The chemistry wasn't forced. It was very organic.'
In a film that orbits around themes of food, freedom, and love, the actors found personal resonance.
'I love food. I consider myself a romantic. And freedom…' Khan paused, weighing his words carefully. 'Let's just say it's something we all aspire to. And in this story, the characters do find their own versions of it.'
'Freedom to love,' Kapoor added thoughtfully, 'should never be restricted. It's a feeling. An emotion. You can't put a rule on that.'
Even off-screen, the roles left their mark.
'I think every character leaves behind little nuggets,' he said. 'Abir taught me to be more understanding.'
'Gulaal reminded me to stay curious,' she added. 'She's impulsive and joyful—she reminded me of my younger self.'
Of course, it wasn't all introspection. There were laughs too.
On who's more likely to burn something in the kitchen, Kapoor cheekily responded, 'The one who enters the kitchen—because I don't!'
'That's a smart answer,' Khan laughed.
And if they had to swap lives with their characters?
'It'd be a freaky Friday,' Fawad quipped, deadpan, alluding to the Hollywood body swap comedy that features Lindsay Lohan.
Their comfort food? Kapoor swears by dal chawal and rajma chawal. Khan, with the flair of someone unafraid of unpopular opinions, admits, 'Karela. Bitter gourd. I love it.'
When it comes to dream restaurants, they got personal. Kapoor would pay tribute to her father's lovingly made kheer (rice pudding), while Khan envisions a space built around mastering the deceptively simple French omelette.
'It's the simplest dish, but one of the hardest to make right. That's what makes it so beautiful.'
Dubai, a melting pot of culture and cuisine, proved a fitting backdrop for Abir Gulaal 's pre-release spotlight. The cast and crew, including composer Amit Trivedi, the voice behind the beautiful numbers in the film, were rocking up a stage in Global Village on the weekend.
So in a time when politics often threaten to overshadow cinema and its artistry, Abir Gulaal feels like a palate cleanser, as Kapoor rightfully points out to another reporter -- light, flavourful, and surprisingly bold in its quiet return to cross-border storytelling.
And in Khan's signature French omelette way—it may be simple, but it's anything but ordinary.