PHOTO: ZEENEWS
In a notice issued on Monday, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) said, “We strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attack on our soldiers at Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. AICWA stands with the nation in confronting such terror and inhumanity."
PHOTO: INDIAN MEDIAThe notice further reads, "We're officially announcing a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the film industry. Still, if any organisation insists on working with Pakistani artists, it will be banned by AICWA and strong action will be taken against them. Our nation comes first, we stand with our nation."
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also cautioned film-makers to stop working with Pakistani talent or even releasing their films in Pakistan, reported IANS. “The federation won’t allow Pakistani artistes to work in Indian films. Also, we won’t let producers release their films in Pakistan. The entire trade (with Pakistan) will be called off as far as the film industry is concerned,” said FWICE chief advisor, Ashoke Pandit
Bollywood debutants discuss 'Sanam Teri Kasam' in exclusive interview. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM“One of the reasons why we have banned (film-makers from working with Pakistani talent) is that none of the Pakistani artistes have condemned the massacre. We hope the producers, distributors and music companies will support the federation’s demands," he said. “If any producer or distributor does not cooperate, the FWICE will boycott their shootings and other work. This means technicians and workers will not work with them and they will not be able to function."
Pandit further added,“We will not allow any film that has any Pakistani artiste or their song in it to be release. No artist is bigger than the country.”
PHOTO: BUSINESS OF CINEMAAn official from IMGC, the leading distributors of Indian films in Pakistan rubbished the possibility of Indian films not releasing in Pakistan. "There are only a few people in India that are propagating the idea of not releasing films in Pakistan but most Indians are opposing them." He added, " Indian Producers haven't issued any official refusal to exhibit their films in Pakistan, even today, multiple Indian films are being screened in the cinemas."
It must be mentioned that Indian music label T-series has removed two songs sung by Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from their YouTube account after the attack. These include Baarishein by Atif and Zindagi by Rahat, which were uploaded on February 13 and February 15 respectively.
PHOTO: AJAY DEVGN/TWITTEREarlier on Monday, Bollywood actor-producer Ajay Devgn also announced his upcoming venture Total Dhamaal will not release in Pakistan in the wake of the attacks. "In light of the current situation, the team of Total Dhamaal has decided to not release the film in Pakistan," he tweeted.
In light of the current situation the team of Total Dhamaal has decided to not release the film in Pakistan.
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) February 18, 2019
The distributors of Total Dhamaal denied having received any notices once again. "On February 22, we are releasing Total Dhamaal in Pakistani cinemas. It will be submitted to the censor board on Tuesday. However, if there will be a ban on Indian films, our cinema industry will surely suffer," said an official.
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