Kartik’s playing it safe

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) on Saturday urged Kartik Aaryan to reconsider involvement in a US event reportedly organised by a Pakistani individual, but the actor’s team clarified he has no association with it. In a media statement, the FWICE claimed that the actor is scheduled to attend an event titled Azadi Utsav — The Indian Independence Day, set to take place in Houston on August 15, and organised by Aga’s Restaurant and Catering, owned by Pakistani-origin businessman Shaukat Maredia. The body cited its earlier directive, issued in the wake of the Pulwama attack in April, urging all members and stakeholders of the Indian film industry to boycott Pakistani artistes, technicians, and performers. In response, Kartik’s team released a statement that read: “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.”

Backing up the Desi girl

Kal Penn. PICS/PTI, INSTAGRAM

Hollywood actor Kal Penn has come to Priyanka Chopra’s defence after she faced online criticism for choosing a hot dog over vada pav (Not a Desi girl, July 11) during a promotional event. “Are people not allowed to like other things?” Talking at Express Adda, Kal called Priyanka “completely authentic and wonderful”.