Kartik Aaryan denies association with Pakistani event organisers

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has issued a strong letter to Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan after a promotional poster claimed his participation in an Independence Day 2025 event in Houston, USA. The event, titled Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day is allegedly organised by a Pakistani-owned restaurant.

FWICE issues letter to Kartik Aaryan

In the letter, FWICE has written, “It is with a sense of deep concern and responsibility that the Federation of Western lndia Cine Employees (FWICE) brings to your notice a matter involving your scheduled participation in an event titled Azadi Utsav - The lndian 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 lndians 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.”

The letter also reads, "We believe you may not have been fully aware of the organizers` background or affiliations. lf 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.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Kartik issues clarification

The Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 actor’s team shared a statement which reads, “Kartik Aaryan is not associated with this event in any capacity. He has never made an official announcement about participating in this event. We have contacted the organizers and requested to remove all promotional materials featuring his name and image."

Meanwhile, Singer Javed Ali is going to be a part of a concert in Dubai on August 31, 2025, in which Pakistani artists Ustad Ghulam Ali and Aamir Ghulam Ali are also performing. So, FWICE has also sent a letter to him. A part of it reads, “We wish to remind you that your participation in this event stands in direct violation of the clear and long-standing directives issued by FWIGE and the Ministry of lnformation & Broadcasting, Government of lndia, which strictly prohibit any collaboration with Pakistani artists.”