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Diljit Dosanjh also broke his silence recently on the controversy and BBC Asian Network that the project was completed before any of the current political tensions surfaced.
Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 is set for an overseas release on June 27, it will not be released in Indian theatres. (Photo Credit: Instagram)
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written a letter to the makers of Border 2, expressing disappointment with the casting of Diljit Dosanjh in the movie. Dosanjh has been facing backlash in India for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming movie, Sardaar Ji 3. The film body wrote three separate letters to Imtiaz Ali, T-Series and Sunny Deol.
FWICE writes to Bhushan Kumar
In its letter, addressed to Bhushan Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, T-Series, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta Producers, JP Films, and director Anurag Singh, FWICE mentioned that it is “deeply disappointed” with the casting of Diljit Dosanjh in Border 2.
“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,” the letter read.
It further called 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.”
“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,” the letter added.
“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 further read.
FWICE mentioned that while a film like Border 2 is supposed to honour the valour and sacrifice of Indian soldiers, casting Diljit Dosanjh in it is “disturbing”. “This not only defeats the spirit of the film but also sends a disheartening message to every Indian,” it stated.
“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,” the letter concluded.
FWICE’s letter to Sunny Deol
Meanwhile, 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.”
Film body writes to Imtiaz Ali
In a letter to Imtiaz Ali, FWICE wrote, “We write to you with utmost respect for your creative contributions to lndian cinema, which have often reflected depth, emotion, and cultural insight. your work has touched hearts across the nation and has played a significant role in shaping the modern narrative style of lndian filmmaking. As you are aware, FWICE had issued a clear directive in 20L9, immediately after the tragic Pulwama terror attack, placing a blanket ban on all collaborations with pakistani artists, singers, performers, and technicians. This directive, aimed at showing solidarity with the nation and respecting the sacrifices of our brave soldiers and citizens, remains in full effect to this day. All stakeholders of lndian cinema were duly informed that any form of professional association with Pakistani nationals would be viewed as a breach of industry unity and national sentiment.”
“Despite this standing directive, Mr’ Diljit Dosanjh chose to cast pakistani actress Ms. Hania Aamir, known for her repeated anti-lndia posts on social media, in his film sardaar Ji 3. This act, particularly in the wake of the horrifying Pahalgam terror attack, in which innocent lndian lives including those of children were lost, is nothing short of an affront to our national integrity. collaborating with someone who openly disregards national sentiment by engaging with a Pakistani actress under boycott further compounds the hurt caused to every lndian citizen and member of our film fraternity.”
“However, it is with great concern that we bring to your attention the strong objection of FWIGE regarding your upcoming collaboration with Mr. Diljit Dosanjh for a film scheduled to release around the Baisakhifestival in April 2026. As you are aware, FWICE has already officially boycotted Mr. Diljit Dosanjh for his deliberate violation of national directives and the sentiments of the lndian film fraternity. His decision to cast Pakistani actress Hania Aamir-who has repeatedly made anti-lndia remarks on her social media platforms-in his film Sardaar Ji 3, is viewed as a direct affront to our country and its people. This decision becomes even more appalling in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, where innocent civilians, including children, were barbarically killed by cross-border terrorism. Hania Aamir’s history of insensitive and anti-national posts adds salt to the wounds of every lndian mourning the loss of these innocent lives.”
“The Ministry of lnformation & Broadcasting and FWICE have long issued clear directives against collaborating with Pakistani artistes in any form. Mr. Dosanjh’s blatant disregard for these directives is not only irresponsible but undermines the collective dignity and stance of the lndian film industry. ln this light, your association with Mr. Dosanjh in the upcoming project is not being taken well by scores of FWICE members and the larger cinema community that has always stood by the nation’s integrity. Your involvement risks sending a deeply conflicting message, especially given your influence as a director known for socially resonant themes. We, therefore, strongly appeal to you to reconsider your collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh and withdraw from associating with any artist who has been officially boycotted by FWICE. Upholding the dignity of our industry and the nation must remain paramount over professional or commercial interests. Your decision on this matter will not only reflect your stand as a responsible filmmaker but will reaffirm faith in the unity and conscience of the lndian creative community.”
Diljit Dosanjh’s response
Meanwhile, Diljit Dosanjh also broke his silence recently on the controversy and BBC Asian Network 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.”
While Sardaar Ji 3, directed by Amar Hundal, is set for an overseas release on June 27, it will not be released in Indian theatres.
On the other hand, the shooting of Border 2 is currently underway in Pune.
Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin…Read More
Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin… Read More
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