India: After the tragic terrorist attack on tourists in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reissued its 2019 directive to ban Pakistani artistes from working in India.
This devastating incident occurred on April 22, 2025, claiming 26 lives and reigniting tension between India and Pakistan. In response to the tragedy, calls for cultural separation have grown louder within the Indian entertainment industry.
During the promotions of his upcoming film Pune Highway, actor Amit Sadh shared his views on the boycott with ANI. He firmly stated that "Country comes first," expressing complete trust in the government’s decisions. Amit further explained that in life, there is sometimes no clear right or wrong, and he supports whatever actions the nation's leaders feel are necessary to protect and honor the country.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees, known for previously pushing for a boycott after the 2019 Pulwama attack, reiterated their stance following the Pahalgam tragedy. General Secretary Ashoke Dubey called the attack shameful and emphasized that FWICE members would face strict action if found working with Pakistani artists or technicians. The organization is taking strong steps to enforce the ban across the entire film industry.
Ashoke Dubey also revealed that FWICE is sending formal letters to all associated organizations, warning against any professional ties with Pakistani talent. In addition, they have approached the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, urging it to issue a notification that working with Pakistani artists should be treated as an act of treason. These firm measures show the seriousness with which the film industry is reacting to the ongoing security concerns.
The renewed boycott reflects the widespread grief and anger following the Pahalgam attack, highlighting how deeply national tragedies can affect cultural relations. Just as tensions had risen after Pulwama in 2019, the recent events have once again widened the gap between the two nations, impacting not only politics but also the world of entertainment and artistic collaboration.
