Latest news with #lndian
News18
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Diljit Dosanjh REMOVED From Border 2, Ammy Virk To Replace Him?
Last Updated: Diljit Dosanjh faces backlash for casting Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, leading to calls for his removal from Border 2. Is Ammy Virk replacing him? Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh is facing the heat for casting Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in his upcoming movie, Sardaar Ji 3. The film will skip release in India, but is slated for release outside the domestic market, including Pakistan. Amidst all this, film bodies are writing to filmmakers, producers, and actors, urging them to drop him from upcoming Hindi releases – the most recent being Border 2. Reportedly, the actor's casting in the film is on shaky grounds amid mounting requests to remove him from the project. Rumours are rife that popular Punjabi singer-actor Ammy Virk might replace him in the film. A source close to Border 2 production told TOI, 'Diljit has only filmed 3–4 scenes so far. The makers are considering replacing him, as it's still early enough to reshoot those portions without much hassle. The team is handling the situation directly, and Ammy Virk's name has come up during internal discussions." With the controversy gaining momentum, insiders suggest that Ammy Virk has now emerged as the top contender to step in. However, repeated attempts to reach out to the film's producer, Nidhi Dutta, went unanswered at the time of publishing. Representatives for both Diljit and Ammy also declined to comment on the matter. However, according to another piece of information obtained by Hindustan Times, there are no current plans to replace Diljit from Border 2. A highly-placed source close to the production said, 'There is no plan to replace or remove Diljit from Border 2. His casting was confirmed nearly nine months ago, long before the recent unfortunate incidents. Nearly half the film has already been shot, and any replacement at this stage would be logistically unfeasible." FWICE writes a letter to Sunny Deol In their letter to Border 2 lead actor Sunny Deol, FWICE wrote, 'We write to you with the deepest respect and admiration for your longstanding service to both the lndian film industry and the nation. Your portrayal of valiant soldiers and national heroes in iconic films Iike Border, Gadar, and lndian has not only entertained but profoundly inspired generations. Your commitment as a public representative further stands as a testament to your patriotic values and unwavering dedication to the country. It is in this light that we express our grave concern regarding your association with Mr. Diljit Dosanjh. in the forthcoming film Border 2. Mr. Dosanjh's recent professional choice to cast Pakistani actress Hania Aamir-who has openly posted anti-lndia content on her social media platforms, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack-has deeply disturbed the sentiments of our industry and the wider national community." It further read, 'The Pahalgam massacre, where innocent civilians, including children, were mercilessly targeted, has left the nation in mourning. While every lndian stands in solidarity against such acts of terror, the decision by Mr. Dosanjh to collaborate with an artist from the very country that continues to breed such violence reflects a shocking disregard for national sentiment. This act violates the directives issued bythe Ministry of Information & Broadcasting as well as the standing resolutions of FWICE, which clearly oppose working with Pakistani nationals in any capacity. Your esteemed presence in a film titled Border 2, which symbolizes national pride and sacrifice, alongside someone who has chosen professional ambition over pattiotism, sends a conflicting and distressing message to the very public that has always viewed you as a symbol of nationalism." 'On behalf of scores of members of our federation and stakeholders across the lndian film industry, we sincerely appeal to you to reconsider your association with Mr. Dosanjh for this project. We are confident that the values you have always uphel d-both on screen and off-will guide you to take a stand in line with the nation,s sentiments. Your decision to disassociate from this collaboration will reaffirm your enduring image as a true patriot and will send a strong message that national interest will always come before individual pursuits." Diljit Dosanjh's response to Sardaarji 3 controversy Diljit Dosanjh recently broke his silence on the controversy and Hania Aamir's casting in the film that was done months before the Pahalgam attack in April. Speaking to BBC Asian Network, the singer said that the project was completed before any of the current political tensions surfaced. 'Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation sab theek tha. We shot this in Feb and then everything was fine. Uske baad, bhut saari badi cheezen humare haath mein nahi hai. Toh producers ne decide kiya ki film obviously ab India toh nahi lagegi, toh overseas release karte hain. Toh producers ka bahut paisa laga hua hai aur jab yeh film bann rahi thi tab aisa kuch tha nahi," he said, adding that the makers are aware they will incur losses. 'Now the situation is not in our hands. So if the producers want to release it abroad, I support them." Meanwhile, the shooting of Border 2 is currently underway in Pune. First Published: June 27, 2025, 16:13 IST
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
FWICE objects to Diljit Dosanjh's casting in ‘Border 2'
The Federation of Western lndia Cine Employees (FWICE) has objected to the casting of Diljit Dosanjh in Border 2as the actor faces a controversy over his latest film Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani actor Hania Aamir. The row started earlier this week after Dosanjh shared the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3, which will only be released in overseas territories on June 27. Since then, many social media users have called for a ban on the Punjabi actor-musician. In a letter, sent to Border 2 producers on Tuesday evening, the FWICE said it is "deeply disappointed and concerned" by the casting of Dosanjh in the movie. "This casting decision is in 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. "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 lndian film industry in solidarity with the nation," read the letter. Produced by JP Films and T-Series, Border 2 is a sequel to the 1997 war drama from filmmaker JP Dutta. Dosanjh had joined the project in September last year and will feature alongside Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty. The FWICE, parent body of 32 different crafts of the workers and technicians of the industry with more than five lakh members, reiterated that it 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. "It is all the more disturbing that a film like Border 2, which is supposed to honour the valour and sacrifice of lndian soldiers, has engaged an individual who has recently chosen to prioritise personal gain over national respect by associating with talent from a hostile nation," the letter stated. Hostilities between India and Pakistan intensified following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22. In response, Indian armed forces hit nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7 under the codename Operation Sindoor. ALSO READ:'Border 2': Diljit Dosanjh joins Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan in director Anurag Singh's war film In the aftermath of the terror attack, social media accounts of many Pakistani actors, including Hania, Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, were withheld in India. Around the same time, Abir Gulaal, a romantic drama featuring Pakistani star Fawad Khan, was not allowed to be released in theatres in India.
Indian Express
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Apostle of the margins': Indian cardinals, bishops bid farewell to Pope Francis
Cardinal Anthony Poola, the first Dalit man to be elevated to the role of Cardinal, on Monday termed Pope Francis, who died earlier in the day, the 'apostle of the margins'. Speaking to The Indian Express, the cardinal, who is one of four Indians set to take part in the process to elect the next Pope, paid tribute to the pontiff who had elevated him to the position of cardinal in 2022. 'To the prophet of mercy, the apostle of the margins, we bid goodbye for now, with the hope of resurrection,' Cardinal Poola said. Along with Cardinal Poola, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad, the three others who will take part in the election process are Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman; Cardinal Cleemis Baselios, the Major Archbishop of Thiruvananthapuram; and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, the Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church. The death of the Pope sets in motion the Interregnum – the intervening period between two papacies. There will be a period of Sede Vacante, meaning 'the seat is vacant', until a new Pope is elected from among the 253 cardinals. As many as 138 cardinals will be able to serve as electors in the next conclave. Cardinal over the age of 80 cannot take part in the election. Cardinal Poola said, 'With humble gratitude I remember the singular honour and immense responsibility he bestowed on me by naming me a cardinal during his pontificate… We will remember Pope Francis as the Pope who dared to dream 'a Church that is poor and for the poor'… With courage, he opened the doors that had long been shut. He reminded us that the Church is not a fortress but a field hospital.' Cardinal Ferrao also released a condolence message, saying, 'His (Pope Francis's) unwavering commitment to the Church and his dynamic endeavours in promoting peace, inter-religious dialogue, social justice and care for creation will be long remembered and cherished… His vision to transform the Church into a synodal community, one that listens, discerns, journeys together and embraces inclusivity, has left an indelible mark on the Church at all levels.' In a circular, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), whose president is Cardinal Ferrao, said, 'Pope Francis held a special love for India and longed to visit our land. He consistently reminded us of our duty to care for the poor and to build a synodal Church. In his recent message to the lndian Bishops gathered at the 36th CCBI Plenary Assembly in Bhubaneswar in January 2025, the Holy Father urged them to prioritise the poor and the vulnerable in their ministry, calling upon them to open wide the doors of the Church.' It also said, 'Pope Francis canonised five lndian saints – St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and St. Euphrasia Eluvathingal on 23rd November 2014, St. Joseph Vaz on 14th January 2015, St. Mariam Thresia Chiramel on 13th October 2019 and St. Devasahayam Pillai on 15th May 2022.' Cardinal Ferrao further called upon all dioceses, parishes, religious communities and families to observe nine days of mourning and to offer special prayers. 'As a visible sign of our grief, church bells should be tolled to signify our sorrow and announce the passing away of our Supreme Pontiff,' he said in the CCBI circular. Archbishop of Bengaluru Peter Machado, one of the top Catholic leaders in the country who has been at the forefront of several socially challenging causes, said, 'In his humility, he chose not to reside in the traditional Apostolic Palace but in the modest Vatican guest house – a choice that echoed the Gospel call to simplicity and solidarity.' The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) also issued a statement, saying, 'The Church in India joins millions of faithful across the world in mourning the loss of a shepherd who led the global Catholic Church with extraordinary courage, compassion and humility.' It said that he 'urged the global community to take concrete actions against climate change and environmental degradation, uniting people of all faiths and ideologies in the care for creation'. CBCI will also observe nine days of mourning and prayer for the Pope across all Catholic churches in the country, the statement said. A Holy Mass or communion will also be offered at all Catholic churches in the country on April 22, the CBCI said.
