Celebrity stylist and Toni & Guy North Pakistan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shammal Qureshi has shared a heartfelt glimpse into the making of Aabeer Gulaal, a film currently winning hearts internationally but awaiting release clearance in Pakistan.

 

His social media post, rich with emotion and behind-the-scenes details, has reignited conversation around the cross-border production and the yet-unresolved issue of the film’s domestic screening.

 

“It’s finally out,” Shammal wrote on Instagram, tagging the official page of Aabeer Gulaal.

 

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“Two months of 5 am call times, 4-hour commutes, and endless long days in London brought together one of the most unforgettable chapters of my career.”

 

Thanking the cast and crew, Qureshi highlighted the camaraderie on set and gave a special mention to Fawad Khan. “Thank you for having me on your team, being one of my closest friends and trusting me with your look.”

 

Qureshi’s post came just days after the film's global release on September 12. Aabeer Gulaal, starring Fawad and Vaani Kapoor, has been screened in cinemas across the UAE, UK, Australia and Canada — but continues to face distribution challenges in both Pakistan and India. Despite initial buzz that it might hit Indian cinemas in late September, India's Press Information Bureau clarified that no such clearance had been granted.

 

Meanwhile, Pakistani fans remain in limbo. The film is yet to receive the green light from local authorities for a theatrical release. Frustrated by the delay, several industry figures have spoken out in support of the film and Fawad.

 

Director Wajahat Rauf urged for a change in approach, saying, “We want to see Fawad on our screens. Fawad is our star. And one of the main producers is UK-based. We need to be better than those not shaking hands on the cricket match,” referring to the recent controversy involving Indian cricket players.

 

Mahira Khan also threw her support behind Fawad. “He is our star! Our cinemas will benefit from releasing the film too,” she wrote in a social media post. Her message reflected a growing sentiment within the industry that Pakistan should not miss out on celebrating one of its biggest exports due to bureaucratic delays.

 

In Dubai, the film has already created a stir. A makeup artist who attended a screening commented online, “Dude, we did the screening of the film in Dubai yesterday & everyone was gushing over Fawad’s styling. A job well done.”

 

As Aabeer Gulaal continues to gather praise abroad, the question remains — when will audiences back home get to witness what the world is already celebrating?