Our Bureau
Mumbai
The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has strongly condemned Pakistani actors Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan for their recent comments following India’s Operation Sindoor, reigniting calls for a complete ban on Pakistani artists in the Indian entertainment industry.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, AICWA criticized the statements made by the two actors after India’s targeted military operation against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The association described their remarks as “disrespectful to our nation” and “an insult to the countless innocent lives lost due to terrorism and the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our country.”
AICWA reaffirmed its strict and complete ban on Pakistani artists, filmmakers, and financiers working in India, urging the Indian film industry to stop “blindly supporting these artists under the pretext of art.” The statement further emphasized, “No Indian artist will collaborate with any Pakistani talent, nor will any global platform be shared with them.”
The association also called on Indian music companies to suspend collaborations with Pakistani musicians, noting that “several Indian music companies continue to promote Pakistani artists, giving them frequent work and exposure.” AICWA urged these companies and individuals to “stand with the nation” and stop supporting those who “openly disrespect India.”
Fawad Khan had posted on Instagram expressing condolences for those killed and injured in the strikes, urging people to “stop stoking the flames with rabble-rousing words.” Mahira Khan shared a post describing the strikes as “seriously cowardly,” praying for the safety of Pakistan.
Operation Sindoor, conducted by the Indian Armed Forces, targeted and destroyed nine terror sites, with officials stating that care was taken to avoid civilian casualties.
The controversy has sparked intense debate on social media, with AICWA reiterating its stance: “Those who insult our nation under the pretext of freedom of speech should not be given the privilege of working in our industry. Our nation must come first.”
