Actor Kartik Aaryan slated to attend a Independence Day event in the USA, organized by a Pakistani group. His team releases a statement: 'We've reached out to event organizers regarding the details.'
In a recent development, Indian actor Kartik Aaryan has officially denied any involvement in the Independence Day event scheduled to be held in Houston, USA, which was allegedly linked to a Pakistani-owned entity.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had raised concerns about the event, citing its organization by Aga's Restaurant and Catering, owned by Pakistani-origin businessman Shaukat Maredia. The FWICE urged Kartik Aaryan to withdraw from the event in light of national interest and the Indian government's directive to boycott collaborations with Pakistani artistes, technicians, and organisers.
FWICE President BN Tiwari spoke to ANI about the potential involvement of Kartik Aaryan in the event, expressing his concerns. The FWICE has also issued a directive for all members and stakeholders of the Indian film industry to boycott Pakistani artists, technicians, and performers due to security and diplomatic concerns.
Kartik Aaryan's team clarified that he is not associated with the event and requested the organisers to remove all promotional materials featuring his name and image. The event, which was scheduled for August 15 in Houston, USA, had listed Kartik Aaryan as the chief celebrity guest.
However, it is notable that the FWICE's stance against any participation by Indian film industry members in events organized by Pakistani nationals or entities predates Kartik Aaryan's team's statement. FWICE General Secretary Ashoke Dubey had sent a letter and the show details to Kartik Aaryan's manager, but received no reply. Dubey also mentioned that he had tried contacting Kartik Aaryan and his team multiple times but received no response.
This is the second such incident after Operation Sindoor, according to FWICE President BN Tiwari. The FWICE is taking a stand of non-cooperation against any artist who supports such events, as per Tiwari.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B Ministry) has issued a similar directive that is in force and must be followed strictly by all Indian citizens and performers working in public life. The letter from FWICE referred to the terror attack at Pahalgam on April 22.
In summary, Kartik Aaryan has complied with the FWICE's directive by distancing himself and denying any association with the Houston Independence Day event organized by the Pakistani-owned restaurant. The FWICE continues to advocate for the boycott of Pakistani artists, technicians, and performers in the Indian film industry due to security and diplomatic concerns.
Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, hailing from India, has refused to participate in a Houston Independence Day event owned by a Pakistani-origin businessman, aligning with the Indian entertainment industry's stance against collaborations with Pakistani artists and organizers. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has issued a directive for all members to boycott Pakistani artists, echoing concerns raised due to security and diplomatic implications.
