“I will never cast Diljit Dosanjh in future films.
T-Series head Bhushan Kumar has vowed never to work with Diljit Dosanjh again, as the fallout from Sardaar Ji 3 intensifies.
The film, which stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir alongside Diljit, has sparked industry backlash after releasing in Pakistan and other international markets despite a post-Pahalgam attack ban on Pakistani artistes working in Indian films.
Bhushan Kumar, one of Bollywood’s most influential producers, confirmed that he has cut ties with the actor.
He said: “I will never cast Diljit Dosanjh in future films. I have issued a letter to the federation.”
His remarks come amid mounting pressure from Indian film bodies over cross-border collaboration.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) initially objected to Diljit’s continued involvement in Border 2, which is produced by T-Series.
However, after discussions, the federation has granted an exception for Border 2 only.
FWICE president BN Tiwari explained the decision:
“We have met Bhushan Kumar twice and he requested that since they have shot with Diljit’s portions in the film already, and they only have a song left to shoot with him.
“He said he is at a juncture where he can’t have Diljit to leave the film but in future, he said that he won’t take anyone who is the middle of a dispute.”
Bhushan’s intervention appears to have saved Border 2 from costly delays or recasting, but it has come at the price of future collaboration with Diljit.
The controversy stems from the release of Sardaar Ji 3, which crossed Rs. 18 crore in its opening weekend internationally.
The film has been a huge success in Pakistan but it continues to cause controversy in India.
Producers argue it was filmed before the Pahalgam attack, when no such restrictions existed. Still, this explanation has not satisfied several senior voices in Bollywood.
Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association, said:
“Our non-cooperation against Diljit continues so anybody else who works with him in another film, then he should be ready to face huge losses.
“The federation will not bow down and the federation will not be responsible for the heavy losses suffered by that producer.
“It’s a call we have taken in good sense and for welfare of the industry.”
“There is no Pakistani actor in the film and then the film is based on security forces, so all these things are considered by the federation.”
Diljit’s decision to post a reel from the Border 2 set has confirmed he will remain in the film, despite earlier speculation that he might be replaced.
But Bhushan Kumar’s categorical statement signals that any future cooperation is off the table.
Though Diljit is still slated to appear in Imtiaz Ali’s next project, and was rumoured to be cast in No Entry 2 with Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor, his Bollywood prospects now appear far more uncertain.
Loading ...