After the teaser of Abir Gulaal dropped earlier this month, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) opposed its release, condemning Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood after nine years. Amid the tension, the makers of the love story, also starring Vaani Kapoor, are carrying out the promotions as scheduled, ahead of its May 9 release. We’ve heard that the film’s music will be launched at Global Village in Dubai on April 19, with the leads in attendance. Amit Trivedi, who has composed the film’s soundtrack, will perform at the event.

We’re told Dubai was on the table right when the promotional plan was being drawn up. A source associated with Aarti S Bagdi’s directorial venture tells us, “The team anticipated the risk of backlash in India ever since Fawad came on board. Dubai is the obvious choice for promotions. It’s a neutral ground, has a strong diaspora presence, and Fawad is popular there. Music is a key aspect of Abir Gulaal. They wanted to go big on the music before launching the trailer.”