​FWICE slams ‘Border 2' makers for casting Diljit Dosanjh, against their official boycott order

Time of India

5 hours ago

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has strongly opposed actor-singer
Diljit Dosanjh
being cast in the upcoming film 'Border 2' and Imtiaz Ali's untitled project. They claim that casting him goes against their official boycott order.
In the strongly worded letters dated June 24 and 25, FWICE wrote to T-Series Chairman
Bhushan Kumar
, director Imtiaz Ali, and actor-producer
Sunny Deol
. They urged them to rethink working with Diljit Dosanjh. The federation raised concerns about Dosanjh's collaboration with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in 'Sardaar Ji 3', calling it a clear violation of national sentiment and unity within the film industry.
In its letter to Bhushan Kumar, FWICE shared its 'deep disappointment' over casting Dosanjh in 'Border 2'.
'Such casting decisions are a disservice to the sacrifices made by our armed forces,' the letter read, adding that the collaboration "directly undermines the stand taken by the Indian film industry in solidarity with the nation."
FWICE reiterates ban on Pakistani collaborations
FWICE reminded the production house of its 2019 directive that bans any collaboration with Pakistani artists, a rule introduced after the
Pulwama
terror attack. The federation emphasized that this ban is still in place, especially in light of the recent
Pahalgam terror attack
, which tragically took the lives of several civilians, including children.
In a separate letter to director Imtiaz Ali, FWICE acknowledged his valuable contributions to Indian cinema but urged him to reconsider his reported plans to cast Diljit Dosanjh in an upcoming film scheduled for release in April 2026. 'Collaborating with someone who openly disregards national sentiment by engaging with banned Pakistani artists is deeply disappointing,' penned on the letter.
FWICE Appeals to Sunny Deol, Citing His Patriotic Legacy
In its letter to actor Sunny Deol, who is closely associated with Border 2, FWICE requested his intervention in the matter.
Referring to his strong image built through patriotic films like 'Border' and 'Gadar', 'We are confident that the values you have always upheld, both on screen and off, will guide you to take a stand in line with the nation's sentiments,' the letter stated.
Urges Industry to Take Action
The controversy started after Diljit Dosanjh cast Pakistani actor Hania Aamir—who has made anti-India comments online—in 'Sardaar Ji 3'.
FWICE called this a serious insult to national feelings and said it shows a lack of respect for the country.
The federation made it clear that its boycott of Dosanjh is still active. It warned that anyone working with him would be going against the unity of the film industry and the nation. FWICE ended its letters by asking everyone involved to act responsibly and take the right steps.
As of now, Diljit Dosanjh and the filmmakers have not responded to these objections.
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