Diljit Dosanjh has been making news for all the wrong reasons; while he was getting slammed for casting a Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his movie Sardaar Ji 3, now there are many who are demanding a complete ban on him in the Indian film industry.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has expressed its strong disapproval over the casting of actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh in the upcoming war drama Border 2. In a formal letter addressed to the key stakeholders of the film, including T-Series Chairman Bhushan Kumar, producers JP Dutta and Nidhi Dutta of JP Films, and director Anurag Singh, FWICE articulated its disappointment, citing Diljit Dosanjh’s recent association with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3.
The organisation, which represents the core workforce of India’s film and television industry, stated that it is “deeply disappointed and concerned” by the decision to cast Diljit Dosanjh in a film meant to honour the courage and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers. FWICE referred to its previous directive to boycott the actor, labeling his collaboration with a Pakistani artist as an “unpatriotic act”.
The letter described the choice to work with Diljit Dosanjh as a “blatant violation” of their official stance, asserting that it undermines the solidarity the Indian entertainment industry has sought to maintain in response to national security concerns.
In its communication, FWICE emphasised that its opposition to the involvement of Pakistani artists is rooted in the nation’s ongoing tensions and cross-border conflicts. The letter argued that such collaborations diminish the sacrifices made by the Indian armed forces and send the wrong message to the public, especially in the context of a film like Border 2 which is designed to pay tribute to national heroes. The federation described Diljit’s casting as “disturbing” and urged the filmmakers to reconsider their decision in light of the symbolic and emotional weight the project carries.
The letter concluded with a direct appeal to the production teams to align with the nation’s sentiment and uphold the film industry’s collective position on not engaging with talent from Pakistan. It reiterated that, for FWICE and its members, “the nation comes first”.
Amidst the growing criticism, Diljit Dosanjh recently addressed the controversy in an interview with a news channel. He clarified that the film in question, Sardaar Ji 3, was completed before the current wave of political tension began.
According to him, the shoot wrapped up in February, a time when relations between India and Pakistan had not flared up to the current extent. He explained that since the situation changed after filming, the producers decided not to release the film in India and opted instead for an overseas release. Diljit Dosanjh added that much of what unfolded was beyond anyone’s control and expressed his support for the producers’ decision to recoup their investment internationally.
Sardaar Ji 3, directed by Amar Hundal, is scheduled for release in international markets on June 27 but will not be screened in Indian theatres. Meanwhile, production on Border 2 is actively underway in Pune, as the debate around its casting continues to intensify.
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