The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) on Monday announced a ‘total ban’ on Pakistani artists and actors in light of the attack on the CRPF in Kashmir’s Pulwama that killed 40 personnel dead.
Condemning the attack, the statement from the association said, “We’re announcing a total ban on actors and artists working in the film industry. Still if any organisation insist on working with Pakistani artist will be banned by AICWA and a strong action will be taken against them (sic).”
The statement signed by Ronak Suresh Jain, AICWA general secretary, also said, “Nation comes first, we stand with our nation.”
This comes close on the heels of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) and Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) taking a similar stand.
India Today quoted IFTDA president Ashoke Pandit as saying, “No Bollywood filmmaker will take any Pakistani artiste in his film. Even music companies will stop working with Pakistani singers. If any filmmaker or music company does not listen to the FWICE, we will stop the shooting of any film with Pakistani artistes and vandalise its sets.”