Kartik Aaryan and Javed Ali receive warning letters from FWICE for attending events hosted by a Pakistani-owned restaurant
In the lead-up to August 15, 2025, two notable Indian artists, Kartik Aaryan and Javed Ali, have found themselves at the centre of a controversy. Both have been urged by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to reconsider their participation in events organised by a Pakistani-owned establishment, Aga's Restaurant and Catering, due to national interest and ongoing concerns over terrorism.
The event in question, titled "Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day", is scheduled to take place in Houston, USA, on August 15. Kartik Aaryan has been featured as the lead guest for this event, according to a letter and an attached poster. However, FWICE has expressed concern about the event being organised by a Pakistani-owned restaurant, given the date of the event coincides with India's Independence Day.
FWICE's letter to Kartik emphasises the importance of responsible action from Indian artists, linking their participation directly to national interest and FWICE guidelines restricting engagement with Pakistani entities post the Pahalgam attack and consequent artistic bans. The same restaurant hosts Pakistan's Independence Day celebrations, heightening sensitivities.
Similarly, Javed Ali has been scheduled to perform in a concert in Dubai on August 31, 2025. FWICE has sent a letter to him regarding his participation in this event, serving as a reminder of the clear and long-standing directives issued by FWICE and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, which prohibit any collaboration with Pakistani artists due to national interest and the ongoing acts of terrorism carried out by Pakistan targeting Indian lives.
This situation reflects the broader policy environment within India’s entertainment industry, where artist participation in events tied to Pakistan or Pakistani-supporting groups is closely scrutinised due to political tensions and security considerations. FWICE acts as a regulatory body enforcing these norms among Indian artists, as is evident in their correspondence with Kartik Aaryan and Javed Ali.
If Kartik was aware of the organizers' background or affiliations, FWICE expects a clarification and immediate distancing from such associations. The letter serves as a notice of concern from FWICE to Kartik Aaryan, urging him to withdraw from the event. The situation underscores the importance of adhering to guidelines in the entertainment industry, particularly in sensitive political climates.
[1] Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) letter to Kartik Aaryan [2] Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) letter to Javed Ali [3] Information about Aga's Restaurant and Catering [4] Details of the events organised by Aga's Restaurant and Catering on August 14 and 15, 2025.
- On social media, discussions about Kartik Aaryan and Javed Ali's participation in events organized by Pakistan-owned establishments, such as Aga's Restaurant and Catering, are gaining traction, with many Indians expressing concern due to the ongoing political tensions and security considerations.
- Amidst the controversy surrounding celebrity participation in events tied to Pakistan or Pakistani-supporting groups, entertainment industry insiders closely monitor trends on social media, recognizing the potential impact on India's entertainment landscape and celebrity reputations.
