The Powai hostage crisis has left Mumbai’s entertainment community in disbelief. The man at the center of the horrifying incident, 38-year-old Rohit Arya, who held 19 people—including 17 children and a senior citizen—hostage inside an acting studio, had allegedly posed as someone associated with the film industry.In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) issued a strongly worded statement, clarifying that Arya had no connection whatsoever with the Indian film or television fraternity.
“He had no verified credentials or background”
Condemning the incident, IFTDA expressed “deep distress” over the misuse of the film industry’s name in such a crime. The association stated, “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 further emphasized, “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.”
Warning against impostors
Reinforcing its authority, IFTDA reminded the public and aspiring actors that it remains the only authorised and oldest body in India that grants recognition and membership to casting professionals. The association urged aspiring artists to always verify the credentials of those claiming to offer acting opportunities.“IFTDA is the only authorised and the oldest body in India that grants membership and recognition to casting. Such impostors not only deceive and defraud people but also subject them to mental, physical, and financial exploitation,” the statement concluded.
The tense rescue operation
Arya’s violent standoff with police ended fatally on Thursday after a 35-minute operation. According to reports, he opened fire at officers during negotiations and was subsequently shot. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Fortunately, all 19 hostages were rescued unharmed.Officials revealed that Arya had armed himself with an airgun, chemicals, and a lighter, and had also set up CCTV cameras and motion sensors around the premises to prevent entry.
His professional history under scrutiny
Interestingly, government records show that Arya’s company, Apsara Media Entertainment Network, had previously partnered with the Maharashtra education department on a cleanliness initiative titled Swachhta Monitor, part of the Majhi Shala, Sundar Shala (My School, Beautiful School) campaign. Authorities are now investigating how Arya’s company secured that association and whether it played a role in his recent activities.
