English phrases can be confusing. ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ goes one saying; not true at all though when it comes to Pakistan’s most precious export, Fawad Khan. In fact, it’s all about ‘distance making the heart grow fonder’, as scores of Fawad fans gush over every rare appearance of his, and smitten girls (and a few boys as well!) send up prayers that the clampdown on Pakistani actors featuring in Bollywood films is lifted miraculously.

Naturally, the latest images of the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil star Fawad Khan have been lapped up with unrestrained glee. His full beard, his hunky form, that intense, swoon-inducing gaze… nothing had changed, as the star posed with his kids and his wife Sadaf at the preview of her debut fashion collection in Karachi. So near and yet so far… Will somebody up there step in and end this devastating drought?!

The yearning for Fawad has truly reached embarrassing levels. Recently a tacky fan-made picture of Aishwarya from her 2006 film, Umrao Jaan with a photo-shopped image of Fawad Khan did the rounds of Instagram. And it actually left fans fantasizing over how wonderful it would be to have these two beautiful people paired together in a film!

Even the tone-deaf and musically-uninclined discovered an interest in the nearly two-month long journey of the Pepsi Battle of the Bands. Only because Fawad Khan would be reuniting with his band, Entity Paradigm (EP), and reuniting with his musical beginnings. And to see him actually show a keen grasp of his craft, and even mentor the new musicians, was reason enough to further melt those knees already weakened by the sultry star.

Fawad’s statement after the Uri attacks still makes eyes a little moist, as he opened up on the unfortunate violence… “As a father of two little children, I pray and wish like many others that together we can build and live in a more peaceful world. I believe we owe it to our children who will shape our tomorrow. I thank all my fans and fellow artists from Pakistan, India, and people, in general, all over the world who have shown continued support for their belief in love and understanding to unite a divisive world.”

All that sex appeal and a heart too… sigh! Come back soon, Mr.Khan