Diljit Dosanjh is currently in the middle of a controversy for working with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his movie ‘Sardaar Ji 3’. The backlash comes amid the tensions between India and Pakistan post the Pahalgam attack. Even though the makers clarified that they shot Sardaar Ji 3 with Hania before the Pahalgam attack, both Diljit and the filmmakers have been receiving backlash.
The film is scheduled to release overseas on June 27, but its release in India has been put on hold for now, reports say. Diljit dropped the trailer on Instagram, while the trailer has been uploaded to YouTube, it appears to be geo-blocked in India.
The backlash has now spilled into his other projects most notably, the much anticipated Border 2, where Diljit’s casting is reportedly under review. According to TOI, multiple film bodies have written to producers and industry stakeholders, urging them to drop Diljit from Hindi films, citing “national sentiment” in light of his professional choices.
A source close to the production of Border 2 revealed, “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.” Despite this, no official confirmation has been made.
However, a report from Hindustan Times suggests that there are no immediate plans to replace Diljit. A senior source close to the film 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.”
All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) wrote a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for immediate and stringent action against Diljit. It further urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny certification to all of Diljit’s future film projects. The association warned of legal action against any production house or individual who chooses to work with the actor moving forward.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has entered the fray, directly addressing a letter to lead actor Sunny Deol. The letter praises his long-standing image as a patriotic figure in Indian cinema and politics, before raising serious concerns about his association with Dosanjh in Border 2.
The letter reads: “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.”
Referencing the Pahalgam massacre, the letter adds: “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.”
