FWICE’s Strong Stance on National Interest

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has taken a firm position by issuing a letter to Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan. The letter urges him to reconsider his participation in an upcoming event in Houston, USA, citing concerns over national interest. The event, titled Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day, is scheduled for August 15, 2025, and features Kartik Aaryan as the lead guest. FWICE’s objection arises from the fact that the event is organized by Aga’s Restaurant and Catering, a Pakistani-owned establishment led by Mr. Shaukat Maredia.

Concerns Over Dual Celebrations

Aga’s Restaurant is also involved in organizing Jashn-e-Azadi, a celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day featuring Pakistani singer Atif Aslam. This dual involvement has raised concerns within FWICE, leading them to issue a formal letter to Kartik Aaryan on August 2, 2025. The letter, penned by FWICE General Secretary Ashok Dubey, emphasizes that any association with a Pakistani-owned entity conflicts with existing directives and national sentiment.

Historical Context of the Boycott

FWICE reminded Kartik Aaryan of the longstanding directives from both the federation and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. These directives call for a complete boycott of Pakistani artists and entities due to national security concerns. The letter references recent terror attacks attributed to Pakistan-based elements, including a brutal attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the loss of Indian lives.

Expectations from Public Figures

The letter further highlights the responsibility of public figures like Kartik Aaryan to uphold collective decisions rooted in national interest. FWICE expressed understanding that Kartik might not have been fully aware of the organizers’ background or affiliations. However, they strongly urged him to withdraw his participation if that was the case. If he was aware, FWICE stated it would be a matter of greater concern and demanded clarification.

Industry-Wide Consensus

Since 2016, following the Uri attack, the Indian entertainment industry has largely maintained an unofficial ban on collaborations with Pakistani artists and technicians. This stance was reinforced after the Pulwama attack in 2019. Although there is no legal ban from the government, industry bodies like FWICE and the All-Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have led an unofficial consensus against such collaborations.

Awaiting Response from Kartik Aaryan

As of now, there has been no official response from Kartik Aaryan or his team regarding FWICE’s letter. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions between cultural collaboration and national sentiment within India’s entertainment industry.