Fawad Khan, one of Pakistan’s most beloved stars, is stepping back into the world of romance with Abir Gulaal, his latest romantic comedy co-starring Bollywood’s Vaani Kapoor.

 

In an interview with Gulf News, Fawad said cinema was begging for such a film because everything is now very intense, dark or dramatic – a thriller or too much of blood and gore. “This is more like a palate cleanser. The best foods are the ones with the simplest ingredients where you can taste everything individually. And that only happens when there’s no complication in it. So, this is that kind of a meal.”

 

Fawad candidly admitted he was concerned about whether the film would even reach audiences, “I was very worried. There was a lot of pressure around the film’s release,” he shared. “But my belief in the story and its message helped me push forward.”

 

He also opened up about relationships and the idea of “the one”. “Having a relationship is a journey in life,” he said.

 

“Over the course of time, you come to that equilibrium point. It may feel like love at first sight and it can work out, but you have to accept people with their flaws. That’s what we’re becoming more intolerant of… we just feel everything has to serve one’s own purpose. If something bothers you about your partner, you have to take it in your stride and make it work. That is a very big part of commitment. If you keep waiting forever, you might just wait forever.”

 

To a question about the viral teaser that showed Fawad serenading Vaani with Kumar Sanu’s Kuch Na Kaho from the Bollywood film ‘1942: A Love Story’, which drew widespread reactions and a flood of memes online, Vaani said, “The world is healing is what I’ve heard.”

 

But even that heart-melting moment wasn’t without nerves. “I was definitely under a lot of stress and pressure,” Fawad revealed. “I don’t sing very often. I think of myself as a bathroom singer. But it’s such an iconic song, so I was nervous.”

 

Vaani also said she got lucky to be selected as co-star opposite Fawad.

 

Abir Gulaal is set to be released in Pakistan and other global territories on September 12. The film will not be released in India.