Amid backlash, Diljit Dosanjh to be removed from Border 2 as FWICE sends letter to Bhushan Kumar?

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has voiced its disapproval to the producers of Border 2, concerning the casting of Diljit Dosanjh. This comes amidst significant controversy in India, where Dosanjh is facing criticism for featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming film, Sardaar Ji 3.

FWICE, in a letter to Bhushan Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director of T-Series, along with JP Dutta, Nidhi Dutta of JP Films, and director Anurag Singh, expressed its sentiment by stating 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.

The letter further described the casting decision as a "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 stated that while a film like Border 2 should honor Indian soldiers, casting Diljit Dosanjh 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.

Diljit Dosanjh recently addressed the controversy, telling the BBC Asian Network that the project was completed before current political tensions arose.

“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."

Sardaar Ji 3 stars Hania Aamir as a ghost hunter, alongside Diljit Dosanjh, who is assigned to exorcise a spirit from a UK mansion. The film blends action and comedy, with romantic elements as Hania and Neeru Bajwa compete for Diljit's affection.

Scheduled for a global release on June 27, Sardaar Ji 3 faced controversy regarding its casting. The Pahalgam terror attack heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to a ban on Pakistani artists in India.