Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh finds himself embroiled in a deepening controversy as the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called for an official boycott of the actor and urged the central government to withdraw the shooting permissions granted for his upcoming film Border 2. The film, currently being shot at the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, has attracted scrutiny due to Dosanjh’s association with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming project, Sardaar Ji 3.
The FWICE’s call for action has come after a series of events that have amplified national sentiment concerns. In a formal letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, FWICE raised “serious concerns” over Dosanjh’s participation in Border 2, especially given the actor’s involvement in projects with Pakistani talent amidst strained Indo-Pak relations.
“We write to you with deep concern regarding the shooting permission reportedly granted to the production team of the film Border 2 at the National Defence Academy (NDA) premises in Pune,” the letter reads. “The NDA, being a national symbol of military training and sacrifice, must not be used as a backdrop for a film involving an actor who is currently under public and professional boycott.”
The controversy has been compounded by Dosanjh’s involvement in Sardaar Ji 3, where he stars opposite Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, which is set to release overseas on June 27 but has no plans for a domestic release in India. The film’s casting has drawn sharp criticism, especially following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which targeted Indian security forces.
FWICE has accused Dosanjh of showing disrespect for Indian sentiments, given that his film Sardaar Ji 3 was completed after the political tensions between India and Pakistan heightened, with critics pointing out that it features a Pakistani actress known for holding views contrary to India’s national interests. The film body also emphasized Dosanjh’s previous involvement in projects filmed at sensitive locations like Pahalgam, which have been linked to terror strikes in the region. This, FWICE argues, shows an “insensitive” disregard for national security and military personnel.
A History of Controversies
This latest controversy is not the first time Diljit Dosanjh has found himself in the eye of a storm. Over the years, the actor-singer has sparked debates due to his outspoken political views and affiliations. His social media posts often stoke controversies, with some accusing him of endorsing causes and figures that are seen as divisive.
In 2020, Dosanjh was at the centre of a media frenzy after showing vocal support for farmers protesting against the Indian government’s controversial agricultural laws. His strong stance on the issue led to both fervent praise and backlash, with accusations that he was promoting a political agenda, while others hailed him for supporting a cause he believed in. His outspokenness has earned him both admiration and scorn from different quarters of Indian society.
Moreover, in 2017, Dosanjh found himself at odds with the Indian media after a controversy surrounding his comments about certain celebrities and their involvement with Pakistan. His remarks led to heated debates about the boundaries of artistic collaboration and whether entertainers should distance themselves from those linked to hostile nations, particularly in a time of heightened security concerns.
The Border 2 Dilemma
The controversy surrounding Border 2 has now gained traction, with FWICE reiterating its demand that Dosanjh be replaced in the film. The body not only urged producers to reconsider casting him, but also pressed the government to intervene and revoke the permissions granted for filming at the NDA. The film is a sequel to the iconic 1997 war epic Border, known for its patriotic portrayal of the Indian Army and its valiant soldiers.
The film is being produced by T-Series, in collaboration with JP Films, and directed by Anurag Singh. Despite the growing backlash, the makers of Border 2 have yet to officially comment on the call for Dosanjh’s removal. However, the producers are reportedly in discussions with key stakeholders over how to address the controversy moving forward.
Diljit’s Response
In a recent interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit Dosanjh responded to the ongoing backlash, clarifying that Sardaar Ji 3 was completed long before the current political tensions escalated. He expressed his dismay at being caught in the crossfire of political discussions, stating that his work should not be misinterpreted as a political statement. However, his explanation has done little to quell the mounting criticism from sections of the public, including his own industry peers.
The Bigger Debate
The issue has sparked a wider debate about the boundaries of artistic collaboration, especially when it comes to working with talent from countries with which India shares a tense political relationship. While some argue that art should transcend political boundaries, others believe that actions, even in the entertainment industry, should reflect national sentiment, particularly when national security is involved.
As the situation develops, the future of Border 2 remains uncertain, and Diljit Dosanjh’s role in the film could be in jeopardy as industry bodies push for his removal. This controversy has added yet another chapter to the ongoing conversation about the intersection of art, politics, and national sentiment in the Indian entertainment industry.
