It’s not every day that you step into a press conference in the vibrant city of Dubai, only to witness the male actor receiving more attention than the female lead.
Yet, this was precisely the scene on a lively Monday afternoon when Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor met with the local media to discuss their upcoming romantic comedy, Abir Gulaal.
During the music launch of Abir Gulaal at Global Village in Dubai on April 19, Fawad Khan surprised the crowd by performing the iconic song ‘Kuch Na Kaho’ live on stage.
The unexpected performance elicited enthusiastic reactions from the audience, who had gathered in great numbers for this public spectacle. Khan, who plays the lead role opposite Vaani Kapoor, sang this beloved 1994 track, originally from the film 1942: A Love Story.
Interestingly, this same song makes a brief appearance in the teaser of Abir Gulaal.
The crowd began chanting Fawad Khan’s name ahead of his appearance. When he arrived on stage, the venue saw a noticeable increase in energy. His live rendition of the track was met with loud applause and cheers.
Following the performance, Fawad Khan addressed the audience and spoke about his experience working on the film. He also acknowledged Kapoor’s professionalism and described her as a dedicated co-star.
Vaani Kapoor, in her remarks, responded with appreciation, calling Fawad Khan a grounded and respectful actor.
The full album of Abir Gulaal, composed by Amit Trivedi, was released online before the launch. The event included additional live performances from Trivedi and his team.
The film they’re promoting is set against the vibrant backdrop of London and will grace UAE cinemas on May 9th. It serves as a nostalgic nod to simpler storytelling—an artful escape in today’s intensely dramatic cinematic world. Unlike the gore-heavy tales of Jeffrey Dahmer, this film is more akin to the enchanting Before Sunrise trilogy.
Fawad shared his thoughts, likening the film to a comforting dish, saying, ‘Everything nowadays feels so dark and dramatic. This, however, is like a simple meal, featuring just a few flavors, easy to savor and digest.’
Vaani Kapoor, with her grounded and thoughtful demeanor, added, ‘This film captures the essence of realism. It’s not overly dramatic, yet it’s fun, simply showcasing the characters being themselves.’ She also mused about love in modern times, ‘I’m old-fashioned. I believe in loyalty and commitment. You choose that person every single day.’
Fawad expressed his affection for Dubai, declaring it as ‘one of the few culinary capitals globally,’ and commending it as ‘one of the most hospitable cities—not just for its stunning architecture, but because of the warmth in its people’s hearts.’