Mumbai: The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) expressed concern about participating in an upcoming program associated with a Pakistani -owned unit, a few hours after issuing a strong letter to Karthik Aryan, the actor’s team denied their participation in the Independence Day show in Houston, USA.
FWIC sent a letter to the actor, citing concerns on the national interest, especially after the terrorist attack in Pahgam on 22 April, urged to “withdraw” from the incident.
However, on Saturday evening, Karthik’s team issued an explanation stated that the actor was “not associated with the incident” and he never made an “official announcement” about participating in it.
In the statement, the team said, “Karthik Aryan is not associated with this incident in any capacity. He has never made an official announcement about participating in it. We have approached the organizers and requested that their names and image be removed.”
In his letter to FWICE, the actor, wrote, “As you know well, FWICE has issued a instruction for all members and stakeholders of the Indian film industry, which is to fully boycott Pakistan artists, technicians and artists in the light of Pakistan’s continuous participation in the continuous participation of Pakistan in the continuous participation of Pakistan in the brutal attacks against countries, even though Pakistan’s continuous participation in the brutil attack against countries. A similar instruction has also been issued which is very applied and should be strictly followed by all Indian citizens and artists working in public life.
Before the actor’s team issued a statement, FWIC President BN Tiwari also spoke to ANI, in which his concerns were explained in detail. “The show is scheduled on 15 August at Houston, USA, and Karthik Aryan was named as the Chief Celebrity Guest. The show’s organizers are a Pakistani national.”
He said, “After Operation Sindor, this is the second such incident. We are trying our best to take a non-commentary stance against any artist supporting such events.”
FWICE general secretary Ashok Dubey also mentioned that he tried to contact the actor and his team several times, but did not get any response.
“On July 20, when I came to know about the show, I texted the contact number we had. But there was no response. I also tried to call, but the call was not raised. Even today, I sent a letter and a details of the show to my manager, but no reply was found. That is why we decided to send him an official letter.”
