Indian Cine Body Slams Mahira, Fawad Khan Over Anti-India Remarks

Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan took to social media to criticise India's response to the Indian Army's May 7 precision airstrikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of Operation Sindoor. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) responded by vehemently denouncing their remarks and demanding that Pakistani performers be excluded from the Indian entertainment sector altogether.

The attacks were a response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. In India, the Indian Army's action was warmly received by the populace, who praised the military for exacting revenge.

However, a number of Pakistani celebrities, including as Bollywood-trained Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan, publicly denounced India's military operation, sparking strong criticism.

AICWA condemned the two performers' statements in a statement sent on Wednesday on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. "Actor Fawad Khan and actress Mahira Khan, both from Pakistan, have publicly criticised India and questioned the nation's actions in defending its sovereignty. We strongly condemn their anti-India sentiments.

The statement stated that Fawad Khan attacked India's position rather than condemning terrorism, while Mahira Khan referred to India's military intervention as a despicable act.

The group also said that Pakistani artists, filmmakers, and financiers operating in India will be strictly prohibited. No Indian artist will work together or share a worldwide platform with Pakistani artists, according to AICWA. The organisation also called on the Indian film industry to stop working with Pakistani artists in any way.

AICWA stressed the significance of putting national interests first, saying that it has turned out to be a mistake to trust Pakistani artists. The group feels that there is a security danger when Indian music labels offer jobs to Pakistani artists and vocalists, as the tweet brought to light. Because of this, AICWA has called on music corporations to refrain from recruiting or promoting Pakistani artists, emphasising that the safety of the country must come first.