Film and TV body condemns Mumbai hostage crisis, denies Rohit Arya's industry link

The Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) has issued an official statement following the shocking incident involving the late Rohit Arya – the man who held 19 people, including 17 children and a senior citizen, hostage inside a Powai acting studio. In its statement, the association condemned the act in the strongest terms and clarified that Arya had no professional ties to the film or television industry.

The statement read, “The Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) expresses its strong condemnation and deep distress over the recent horrific incident involving the late Rohit Arya, who allegedly held children hostage under a fake pretext of auditions and casting sessions.”

“IFTDA wishes to clearly and



firmly state that Rohit Arya had no association whatsoever with the Indian film and television fraternity. He was neither a member of IFTDA nor affiliated with any recognised and registered body in the entertainment industry. He had no professional background, verified credentials, or legitimate standing in the field of casting or filmmaking,” they added.

Towards the end, the film and television body stated that they are the only body to grant membership.

“IFTDA is the only authorised and the oldest body in India that grants membership and recognition to casting,” they wrote.

“Such impostors not only deceive and defraud people but also subject them to mental, physical, and financial exploitation,” the statement concluded.