The internet is ablaze again, and this time, it’s over Pakistan’s heartthrob-turned-India’s lost treasure, Fawad Khan. As Netflix India casually celebrated his birthday last month, Pakistanis decided it was time to negotiate a deal—Fawad Khan for Kashmir. That’s right. The stakes are high, and so are the memes.
The debate was sparked by a post from Pakistan’s Niche Lifestyle, which suggested that Fawad Khan’s charm could unite India, Pakistan, and even Bangladesh.
“We can disagree on politics, or whether biryani originated from Lahore or Delhi. But when it comes to Fawad Khan, we can all agree on the same thing: that the man is extremely good-looking. Let’s just admit it: #FawadKhan is the only thing that can bring all of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh together in harmony,” the magazine wrote.
This unity pitch was adorable, but Pakistani netizens? Not so much. They were ready to send Fawad packing.
The Barzakh Brouhaha
Pakistanis, however, are rolling their eyes at the Fawad mania. One user sarcastically commented, “Take him, India. He still belongs to you. Not accepting our projects, dramas, and interviews.” Another added, “The way they’re still not over him [insert crying emoji].”
Fawad Khan’s latest project, Barzakh, has only added fuel to the fire. The show faced backlash in Pakistan for its depiction of near-homosexual intimacy—a bold move in a conservative media landscape. “The episode where Fawad almost kissed an Italian character was the final nail in the coffin,” an irate viewer wrote.
The backlash escalated to boycotts, with many accusing Khan and his co-star Sanam Saeed of disregarding cultural norms. As one user bluntly put it, “Barzakh is a bullshit project. He’s lost all respect.”
Regrets And What-Ifs
The divide in opinions is stark. While many in Pakistan are tired of the “Fawad hype,” Indians remain enchanted by his charm and acting chops. But the kicker came from those suggesting an exchange: “Badshah lelo, Fawad de do (Take Badshah, give us Fawad).” An Indian fan quipped, “Jinnah saab, hamara kuch to khyaal kiya hota (Mr. Jinnah, you should have thought about us),” lamenting Partition with humor.
On Indian screens, Fawad Khan last appeared in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016). His absence has left Indian fans wistful, fueling online laments. “Kash India and Pakistan ek hotey… Dushman na hote… (I wish India and Pakistan were one and not enemies),” wrote one user.
Meanwhile, others have taken their admiration a step further. “Fawad Khan is what keeps us sane. Forget diplomacy; let’s negotiate with his films instead,” joked a fan on Instagram. But Indians, too, have felt the sting of Barzakh backlash. One comment read: “Fawad’s career deserves better than this polarizing mess. He’s more than his looks.”
Read More: Fawad Khan’s The Legend Of Maula Jatt Trailer Proves Pakistani Cinema Is Ahead Of Indian Shows & Movies
What’s Next For The Heartthrob?
While Pakistanis dismiss him as “overrated,” Fawad Khan continues to win hearts internationally. His upcoming rom-com Abir Gulaal, starring Vaani Kapoor, is already creating buzz. But back home, his critics remain loud and relentless. “Shameful to normalize such narratives,” raged one detractor, while others question why Khan isn’t more selective with his projects.
Nevertheless, there are voices of support. “Art isn’t made for closed-minded people. Stick to religious texts if you don’t like it,” one defender clapped back at the naysayers.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Fawad Khan is much more than an actor. He’s a phenomenon that continues to spark conversations, controversies, and some truly wild memes. Whether he’s worth Kashmir or not is a debate for another day.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: The Print, Express Tribune, Daily Jang
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: fawad khan, bollywood, pakistan, kashmir, barzakh, cross border humor, india pakistan relations, niche lifestyle, cultural debate, lgbtqia representation, fawad khan backlash, bollywood fans, social media reactions, pop culture, indian fans, pakistani controversies, international actor, abir gulaal
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