New Delhi: The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has expressed strong disappointment over the casting of actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh in the upcoming patriotic film Border 2. In an open letter to the film’s producers and director, FWICE called the decision a “blatant violation” of its directive to boycott Dosanjh, citing his recent collaboration with a Pakistani actress.
Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh and produced by T-Series and JP Films, stars Varun Dhawan, Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. It is a sequel to the 1997 war classic Border and is scheduled for release on January 23, 2026.
FWICE sent its letter to T-Series head Bhushan Kumar, producers JP and Nidhi Dutta, and director Singh, demanding immediate reconsideration of Diljit’s casting. The letter condemned Diljit’s involvement in Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, accusing the actor of ignoring national sentiment and “prioritizing personal gain over national respect.”
“Such actions are a disservice to the sacrifices made by our armed forces,” FWICE wrote, referencing ongoing cross-border tensions. The letter added, “It is disturbing that a film like Border 2, which aims to honor the Indian military, has cast an actor who recently collaborated with a Pakistani artist.”
The controversy follows FWICE’s broader condemnation, issued on June 23, against Diljit and the Sardaar Ji 3 team, including producers Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu, and director Amar Hundal. The group also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other key ministers to take strict action against those involved.
In addition, FWICE has requested the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to withhold certification of Sardaar Ji 3 in India. The trailer of the film, set to release overseas on June 27, 2025, has sparked social media backlash, with many Indian users criticizing Diljit for working with a Pakistani actress amid ongoing tensions.
The backlash follows the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s May 7 Operation Sindoor, which involved air strikes on terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In the aftermath, several Pakistani artists, including Hania Aamir, saw their social media accounts restricted in India.
Despite the growing controversy, Diljit shared the trailer on Instagram, although it is currently unavailable on YouTube India.
