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FWICE has urged Kartik Aaryan to withdraw from the Azadi Utsav event in Houston, USA, organized by a Pakistani-owned restaurant, citing concerns over his participation.
Kartik Aaryan to attend an event hosted by Pakistani organiser.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written a letter to Kartik Aaryan after it was revealed that the actor will be attending an event in the USA organised by a Pakistani-owned restaurant. The event, titled Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day, will take place in Houston, USA, on August 15, 2025, and is said to host Kartik as a guest. This didn’t sit well with FWICE, which has now expressed concern over the actor’s decision. The federation has also shared a poster of the event featuring Kartik as their guest.
In the letter, FWICE wrote, “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.”
In the letter, they have also mentioned that the same restaurant is organizing an event on August 14, 2025, to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day.
“We believe you may not have been fully aware of the organizers’ 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.
Meanwhile, FWICE has sent a letter to singer Javed Ali asking him to withdraw his name from an event happening on August 31, which features participation from Pakistani singers as well.
“We hope you will take this matter with the seriousness it demands and act in a manner befitting your responsibility as an Indian artist,” a part of the letter reads.
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