Boycott Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan: AICWA REACTS to Pakistani actors criticising Operation Sindoor

May 8, 2025 - 4:26 PM IST

The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has issued a stern call for a boycott of Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, condemning their statements criticizing India’s military operation, Operation Sindoor. The operation, a retaliatory strike targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, 2025, followed the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

Boycott Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan: AICWA REACTS to Pakistani actors criticising Operation Sindoor

In a strongly worded statement shared on X, AICWA expressed outrage over the actors’ remarks, labeling them an insult to India’s sovereignty and the sacrifices of its soldiers. “The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) strongly condemns the anti-India statements made by Pakistani actress Mahira Khan and actor Fawad Khan, who have openly criticised India and questioned the nation’s actions in defence of its sovereignty,” the association declared. Specifically, Mahira Khan described India’s military response as a “Seriously Cowardly” act, while Fawad Khan criticized the operation without condemning terrorism, instead supporting divisive narratives, according to AICWA.

The association reiterated its longstanding ban on Pakistani artists, stating, “AICWA reaffirms its strict and complete 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.” Addressing the broader Indian film industry, AICWA issued a pointed challenge: “Indian artists and filmmakers must decide whether they will stand with their nation or continue to engage with those who openly oppose it. Those who insult our nation under the pretext of freedom of speech should not be given the privilege of working in our industry.”

Media Release
All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) Strongly Condemns Anti-India Statements by Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan
Mumbai, India – The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) strongly condemns the anti-India statements made by Pakistani actress Mahira Khan and… pic.twitter.com/pEjqzAgy8a
— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) May 7, 2025

Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, targeted nine terrorist camps, neutralizing over 100 terrorists, according to Indian authorities. While Bollywood celebrities praised the Indian Armed Forces for their “measured and non-escalatory” approach, Pakistani actors, including Fawad and Mahira, faced backlash for their social media posts. Mahira, known for her role in Raees, wrote on Instagram, “I am grateful that I live in a country where I am not dictated to say what I have to. I have a voice and I CAN use it… India, your war and hate rhetoric has continued for many years… You attack cities in the middle of the night and call it a victory? Shame on you.” Fawad, whose upcoming film Abir Gulaal faces boycott calls, labeled the operation a “shameful attack” and urged against “stoking the flames with rabble-rousing words.”

AICWA’s statement concluded with a patriotic rallying cry: “AICWA stands firmly with the nation, upholding the principle of ‘Nation First’. Nation First | Jai Hind |.” The association also called out music companies and Indian artists for collaborating with Pakistani talent globally, urging them to respect national sentiments.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor: Fawad Khan, Hania Aamir, and other Pakistani actors slam India’s military strikes, call it “cowardly”