FWICE says it's ‘deeply disappointed' over casting of Diljit Dosanjh in Border 2, writes to film's team

Hindustan Times

5 days ago

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has expressed disappointment and concern about the casting of actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh in the upcoming film Border 2. Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 stars Varun Dhawan, Sunny Deol, Diljit, and Ahan Shetty. Diljit Dosanjh is part of Border 2, also starring Ahan Shetty, Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan.
The upcoming sequel to the 1997 blockbuster Border has a production team that includes Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta. Gulshan Kumar's T-Series presents the film in association with JP Dutta's JP Films. Border 2 will hit theatres on January 23, 2026.
FWICE has sent a letter to Bhushan Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, T-Series, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta Producers, JP Films, and director Anurag Singh.
The letter reads, "The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing the core workforce of the Indian film and television industry, is deeply disappointed and concerned by the casting of actor-singer Mr Diljit Dosanjh in your upcoming film Border 2 produced under the banner of JP Films in collaboration with T-Series and directed by Mr Anurag Singh."
Calling the casting decision "blatant violation" of "FWICE's official directive to boycott Mr. Diljit Dosanjh, which was issued after his unpatriotic act of working with a Pakistani actress, Ms. Hania Aamir, in the film Sardaar Ji 3," the letter added, "By choosing to collaborate with an artist who has so brazenly ignored the ongoing tensions and national sentiment, your production has directly undermined the stand taken by the Indian film industry in solidarity with the nation."
Diljit has found himself on the receiving end of a social media backlash after the trailer of his upcoming Punjabi film, Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, dropped online.
"FWICE has time and again made its position clear--we will not accept or tolerate any cooperation or collaboration with Pakistani artists in any form or on any platform. Such actions are a disservice to the sacrifices made by our armed forces and citizens who continue to face the consequences of cross-border hostilities and terrorism," the letter reads further.
Asserting how "disturbing" it is "that a film like Border 2, which is supposed to honor the valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers, has engaged an individual who has recently chosen to prioritize personal gain over national respect by associating with talent from a hostile nation," the letter mentioned, "This not only defeats the spirit of the film but also sends a disheartening message to every Indian."
The letter concludes with, "We hereby request you to immediately reconsider your casting decision. FWICE urges you to stand by the nation and the industry's collective stand. Let us reiterate--for us, the nation comes first, and we expect the same unwavering commitment from every respected member of the film fraternity."
On June 23, FWICE expressed strongest condemnation and outrage against Diljit, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu and director Amar Hundal for casting Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in their upcoming film Sardaarji 3.
In light of this event, FWICE makes a direct and urgent appeal to the Prime Minister of India, the Home Minister, the Minister of External Affairs, and the Minister of Information & Broadcasting to take strict and immediate action against Diljit Dosanjh, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu and director Amar Hundal, as per an official statement.
In the letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, FWICE wrote, "We, the undersigned office bearers of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing scores of dedicated workers who form the backbone of India's film and television industry, write with deep outrage and unwavering conviction over an act that not only defies the laws and directives of our country but insults the soul of our nation."
FWICE has sent a letter to the Chairperson, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), to "withhold certification of the film 'Sardaarji 3' containing Pakistani artists."The controversy comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, followed by India's Operation Sindoor on May 7, in which air strikes were carried out on terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Several Pakistani artists, including Hania Aamir, had their social media accounts made no longer accessible in India following the ghastly Pahalgam attack.
Meanwhile, sharing the trailer of the horror-comedy franchise on his Instagram on Monday, Diljit announced that the film will release exclusively overseas on June 27.
Diljit captioned the trailer post: "Sardaar Ji 3 releasing 27th June OVERSEAS only. FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN." The comments section of the actor's social media platform quickly turned into a storm of angry reactions, with Indian netizens expressing their disappointment over his decision to work with a Pakistani artist, amidst tensions between the two countries.
The trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 is currently not on YouTube India but has been shared by Diljit on his Instagram page.