The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has formally requested that Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan withdraw his participation from an upcoming Indian Independence Day event in Houston, USA. The event, named "Azadi Utsav - The Indian Independence Day," is scheduled for August 15, 2025. FWICE's objection arises from the fact that the event is being organized by Aga's Restaurant and Catering, a Pakistani-owned establishment. The restaurant is owned by Mr. Shaukat Maredia.

FWICE, representing 36 crafts of the Indian film and television industry, has emphasized its long-standing directive, along with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to boycott Pakistani artists and entities due to national security concerns. This includes the recent terror attacks attributed to Pakistan-based elements.

The federation highlighted that the same establishment is also promoting "Jashn-e-Azadi," a celebration of Pakistan's Independence Day, featuring Pakistani singer Atif Aslam. FWICE argues that the simultaneous promotion of Indian and Pakistani national events by the same entity creates a conflict of interest and violates national sentiment.

In a letter addressed to Kartik Aaryan on August 2, 2025, FWICE General Secretary Ashok Dubey stated that Aaryan's association with an event hosted by a Pakistani-owned entity, even if unintentional, directly conflicts with these directives and has understandably hurt national sentiment. The letter further emphasizes that as a public figure and a representative of the Indian film fraternity, Aaryan is expected to uphold collective decisions rooted in national interest.

FWICE acknowledged the possibility that Kartik Aaryan may not have been fully aware of the organizer's background. The federation urged him to immediately withdraw his participation if that was the case. However, the letter also warned that if Aaryan was aware of the organizer's affiliations, it would be a matter of even greater concern and demanded clarification.

As of August 2, 2025, there has been no official response from Kartik Aaryan or his team regarding the FWICE's request. However, later on August 2, 2025, Kartik Aaryan's team clarified that he is not associated with the event in any capacity. They stated that he has never made an official announcement about participating in the event and that they have contacted the organizers to remove all promotional materials featuring his name and image.