Mumbai: Actor Kartik Aaryan has run into a controversy after being invited as a guest to an event titled ‘Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day’, organised by a Pakistani in Houston, USA, on August 15.
It took no time for protests to come up, with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) urging Kartik to immediately withdraw his participation from the event.
FWICE wrote to Kartik raising concerns.
“It is with a sense of deep concern and responsibility that the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) brings to your notice a matter involving your scheduled participation in an event titled Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day to be held in Houston, USA, on 15th August 2025. As per the attached poster, you are being featured as the lead guest for this celebration. While such events are a source of pride and cultural expression for Indians abroad, we regret to inform you that this specific program is being organized by a Pakistani-owned restaurant, Aga’s Restaurant and Catering, owned by Mr Shaukat Maredia,” FWICE wrote.
FWICE mentioned that the same Pakistani restaurant is organising an event on August 14 to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day.
“We believe you may not have been fully aware of the organisers’ background or affiliations. If so, we strongly urge you to immediately withdraw your participation from this event. However, if you were aware, it becomes a matter of even greater concern — and we expect a clarification and immediate distancing from such associations,” the letter continued.
The FWICE also shared a poster of the event which featured Kartik as a guest.
The federation has sent a letter to singer Javed Ali asking him to withdraw his name from an event which also features Pakistani singers.
“We hope you will take this matter with the seriousness it demands and act in a manner befitting your responsibility as an Indian artist,” read a part of the letter.
