Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan found himself in the middle of a controversy on Saturday after a letter from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) raised questions about his possible participation in an Independence Day event in Houston, USA. The show, according to FWICE, is being organised by a Pakistan national, which triggered strong objections from the film body.
Soon after the letter surfaced, Kartik Aaryan’s team stepped forward with a clear denial. They stated that the actor has no connection with the event and has never agreed to take part in it.
In their official statement, Kartik’s team clarified, “Kartik Aaryan is not associated with this event in any capacity. He has never made any official announcement about participating in it. We have also contacted the organisers and requested that all posters or promotional material using his name or image be removed immediately.”
This statement came just hours after FWICE’s strong letter asking the actor to back out of the event “in the interest of national security,” especially after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed innocent lives.
In the letter addressed to Kartik Aaryan, FWICE reminded the actor that the Indian film industry has been asked to stay away from any association with artists or organisers from Pakistan due to ongoing tensions between the two countries.
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They also pointed to an existing directive from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting which restricts Indian citizens and performers from engaging with Pakistani-linked events or individuals.
The letter stated, “FWICE has clearly told all its members and film industry professionals to avoid any collaboration with Pakistani artists or technicians. This is not just a policy. It’s about respecting the victims of terrorist attacks like the one in Pahalgam.”
BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, spoke to ANI and confirmed that Kartik Aaryan’s name was prominently there as the main celebrity guest for the August 15 show in Houston.
“The organiser is reportedly a Pakistani national. This is concerning, and we’ve taken a firm stand. After Operation Sindoor, this is the second incident of its kind. We want to maintain our policy of non-cooperation with such events.”
Ashoke Dubey, FWICE’s General Secretary, said that they had tried multiple times to reach out to Kartik Aaryan’s representatives before making the matter public.
“I messaged their contact on July 20, but there was no reply. I also called and sent emails, including the event details to his manager, but there was silence. That’s why we had to send an official letter,” he said.