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Last Updated: April 26, 2025, 08:21 IST
Ashoke Dubey of FWICE demands a ban on Pakistani artists in India after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. FWICE warns members against collaborating with them.
Following the tragic terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, Ashoke Dubey, General Secretary of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), has called for a complete prohibition on Pakistani artists working in India.
Dubey articulated his stance in a statement to ANI, declaring, “Given the significance of this issue, national interests must be prioritized. The persistent attacks, such as the recent incident in Pahalgam targeting our tourists, are unacceptable. We have issued a press release indicating that any member collaborating with Pakistani artists or technicians will face disciplinary action and a ban from future work with us.”
In addition to these assertions, Dubey mentioned that FWICE is taking formal actions to implement this ban by coordinating with all related industry associations. He indicated that a letter has been sent to the Information and Broadcasting Minister, requesting a formal directive to treat collaborations with Pakistani artists as treasonous.
“We are reaching out to all affiliated associations. If anyone is caught participating in such collaborations, they will be barred from working within the industry,” Dubey emphasized.
He elaborated on the contents of the letter sent to the Minister: “We have suggested that a notification be issued. Any member from India, if found working with Pakistani artists, should face charges of treason, ensuring that they reconsider their decisions significantly before proceeding.”
Earlier, sources in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting indicated that the upcoming film “Abir Gulaal,” starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, may not receive approval for release in India.
In response, Dubey confirmed that FWICE had contacted the film’s producer, Vivek Agarwal, urging him to cancel the film’s release. “We have sent communication to the producer requesting that he halt the film’s progression. Should he proceed, FWICE will withdraw support from all personnel associated with the project,” he cautioned.
“The film ‘Abir Gulaal’ is scheduled for release on the 9th. We sent a letter to Vivek Agarwal, in addition to our correspondence with the Information and Broadcasting Minister. Our message was clear: collaboration with Pakistani artists in this manner cannot continue. If the film is released, we will also disassociate from every crew member involved, including the cameraman and the director. We have urged the I&B ministry to take measures against this film,” Dubey stated.
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