AICWA condemns Fawad Khan & Mahira Khan for ‘anti-India’ comments post Operation Sindoor; reaffirms complete ban on Pakistani talent

Fawad Khan and Mahira Sharma

Following India's successful execution of Operation Sindoor and elimination of nine terror camps in Pakistan and POK, Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan condemned the country's retaliation. Now, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has strongly condemned the Pakistani actors' ‘anti-India' statements in an official note.

AICWA lashes out at Pakistani artists

In a post shared on their social media, the organization lashed out at the actors, stating, "The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) strongly condemns the anti-India statements made by Pakistani actress Mahira Khan and actor Fawad Khan, who have openly criticised India and questioned the nation's actions in defence of its sovereignty. Mahira Khan labelled India's military response as a ‘Seriously Cowardly' act, while Fawad Khan, instead of condemning terrorism, focused on criticising India's stance and supporting divisive narratives."

Further in the statement, they said that the comments not only disrespected but also insulted the sacrifices of Indian soldiers and innocent lives lost to terrorism. Reaffirming their stance on a total ban on Pakistani artists, AICWA added, "These statements are not just disrespectful to our nation but also an insult to the countless innocent lives lost due to terrorism and the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our country. AICWA reaffirms its strict and complete ban on Pakistani artists, filmmakers, and financiers working in India. No Indian artist will collaborate with any Pakistani talent, nor will any global platform be shared with them."

AICWA on Abir Gulaal

Further, while addressing the supposed comeback of Fawad Khan with Abir Gulaal, the organization stated, "AICWA strongly condemns the filmmakers, producers, and artists of the film Abir Gulaal for casting Pakistani actor Fawad Khan despite the Pulwama attack, where several Indian soldiers were martyred… This is a disgrace to the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers."

Bollywood hails Operation Sindoor

While Hania Aamir, Mawra Hocane, Fawad Khan, and Mahira Khan spoke against Operation Sindoor, the entire Bollywood industry came together, with stars like Alia Bhatt, Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Ajay Devgn praising the Army's measured and non-escalatory approach.

India Bans Pakistani Actors' Accounts

Following the horrific Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has taken a stricter stance against Pakistani nationals. As part of its broader response, the government has also cracked down on the digital space. Several Pakistani artists' Instagram accounts are now blocked and inaccessible in India.