FWICE Urges Removal of Diljit Dosanjh From Border 2 Over Collaboration With Pakistani Actress Hania Aamir

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has raised strong protests against actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh's casting in the cast of Border 2, the sequel to J.P. Dutta's 1997 classic war.

The movie, which is directed by director Anurag Singh, features Varun Dhawan, Sunny Deol, Ahan Shetty, and Diljit in key roles.

Co-produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar of T-Series with JP Dutta and Nidhi Dutta under the banner of JP Films, Border 2 is now set to release on January 23, 2026.

In an official letter written to Bhushan Kumar, JP Dutta, Nidhi Dutta, and Anurag Singh, FWICE expressed its disappointment with Dosanjh's participation in the film. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), comprising the talent bedrock of the Indian television and film industry, is disappointed and disturbed by the hiring of actor-singer Mr Diljit Dosanjh for your upcoming film Border 2 under the banner of JP Films in association with T-Series and directed by Mr Anurag Singh," the letter read.

FWICE objected to Dosanjh's latest co-operation with Pakistani artist Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, terming the casting as "blatant violation" of the organization's earlier announced boycott. The federation had previously condemned Dosanjh's collaboration with Pakistani artists as an "unpatriotic act."

"By opting to work with an artist who has so openly disregarded the prevailing tensions and public mood, your film has effectively undercut the position taken by the Indian film fraternity in support of the country," the letter stated.

The organization reaffirmed its long-standing policy of rejecting any kind of collaboration with Pakistani artists because of the continued cross-border war.

"FWICE has repeatedly emphasized its stand--we will not tolerate or accept any collaboration or co-operation with Pakistani artists in any genre or on any platform. Such a move is a betrayal of our country's sacrificial spirit and the sacrifices of our forces and civilians who are perpetually suffering the brunt of cross-border hostilities and terrorism," the letter added.

Their harshest criticism was kept for Dosanjh's role in a movie intended to celebrate India's war heroes.

This not only goes against the spirit of the film but also sends a disappointing message to all Indians," FWICE stated. "It is perturbing that a movie like Border 2, which is aimed at paying tribute to the bravery and martyrdom of Indian soldiers, has hired someone who has recently opted to prioritize personal benefit ahead of national regard by joining hands with talent from an opposing nation.

FWICE ended its letter by making a strong appeal to the producers to fall in line with the country's mood.

"We respectfully request you to review your casting decision at once. FWICE appeals to you to stand with the nation and the industry's joint stand. Let us reiterate--for us, the nation comes first, and we hope the same unflinching commitment from each valued member of the film fraternity."

On 23 June, FWICE came out and publically condemned Diljit Dosanjh, producers Manmord Sidhu and Gunbir Singh Sidhu, and director Amar Hundal for casting Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3. The federation went on to write a letter to senior government authorities—including the Prime Minister and senior ministers—calling for immediate punitive action to be taken.

They also approached the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to refuse certification to Sardaar Ji 3 due to the involvement of a Pakistani artist.

This controversy has escalated following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor on May 7, when Indian forces carried out cross-border strikes in Pakistan and PoK. Following these incidents, a number of Pakistani celebrities, such as Hania Aamir, are said to have had their social media presence in India restricted.

In the midst of increasing backlash, Diljit Dosanjh released the Sardaar Ji 3 trailer on Instagram, affirming that the film will release only internationally on June 27.