The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has reignited the call for a complete ban on Pakistani artistes in India following remarks made by actors like Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan in response to India’s recent military initiative, Operation Sindoor. In a strongly worded statement released on May 7 via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, AICWA condemned these reactions and urged the Indian entertainment industry to sever all ties with Pakistani talent.
“The 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,” the AICWA stated. The association expressed outrage over what it perceived as insensitive responses from Pakistani celebrities to the success of Operation Sindoor, which was a precision military strike against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
In its statement, AICWA reaffirmed its existing 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,” it declared, underscoring its uncompromising position on cross-border artistic cooperation in light of recent geopolitical tensions.
The association also criticized sections of the Indian film industry for continuing to support Pakistani artists under the banner of creative freedom. “It is time for the Indian film industry to understand that blindly supporting these artists under the pretext of art is a betrayal of national pride,” the statement read. AICWA emphasized that such support, in their view, ignored national sentiment and disrespected the sacrifices of Indian soldiers.
Further addressing the role of music companies and stage collaborations, AICWA added, “It is unfortunate that several Indian music companies continue to promote Pakistani artists, giving them frequent work and exposure. Many Indian singers also share stages with these artists globally, ignoring the sentiments of the nation.”
The association called for an industry-wide consensus and urged all stakeholders, from Bollywood to regional film sectors, to honor the ban and prioritize India’s national interest over any creative or commercial partnership with Pakistani counterparts.
“This is not just about art—it is about standing with your country during critical moments. Our nation must come first,” AICWA stressed, signaling that the issue has evolved beyond artistic freedom into a matter of patriotism and solidarity with national defense efforts.
As tensions remain high following Operation Sindoor, AICWA’s statement has added to the debate around cross-border artistic ties and the role of cultural exchange during times of conflict. Whether the broader Indian film and music industries will align with AICWA’s stance remains to be seen.
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