• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

A controversy surrounding Kartik Aaryan's alleged participation in an Independence Day event in the US has been put to rest after the actor's team released an official statement distancing him from the event. The event, Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day, was allegedly organised by a Pakistani-owned restaurant in Houston, which sparked outrage from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).

The federation had objected to Kartik Aaryan's reported participation in the event, sharing a poster that featured him as a guest, and expressed "deep concern" in a letter addressed to the actor. FWICE urged Kartik Aaryan to withdraw from the program, citing concerns that his participation could hurt national sentiment. However, Kartik Aaryan's team swiftly clarified that the actor has no connection to the event, stating that he has never made an official announcement about participating in it and requesting the organisers to remove all promotional materials featuring his name and image.

Kartik's team confirmed, "Kartik Aaryan is not associated with this event in any capacity. He has never made an official announcement about participating in this event. We have contacted the organisers and requested to remove all promotional materials featuring his name and image."

The federation’s letter read, “It is with a sense of deep concern and responsibility that the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) brings to your notice a matter involving your scheduled participation in an event titled Azadi Utsav – The Indian Independence Day to be held in Houston, USA, on 15th August 2025. As per the attached poster, you are being featured as the lead guest for this celebration."

ALSO READ: Ahaan Panday Eats Scorpion In Viral Video, Fans Shocked With Saiyaara Star's Wild Dare

"While such events are a source of pride and cultural expression for Indians abroad, we regret to inform you that this specific program is being organized by a Pakistani-owned restaurant… We believe you may not have been fully aware of the organisers’ background or affiliations. If so, we strongly urge you to immediately withdraw your participation… If you were aware, it becomes a matter of even greater concern — and we expect a clarification and immediate distancing from such associations," the letter further read.