Is Diljit Dosanjh being removed from ‘Border 2?’

Diljit Dosanjh is currently gearing up for the release of Sardaar Ji 3, which stars him alongside the Pakistani actress Hania Aamir.

Diljit has been slammed for working with Hania in the wake of the unrest between Pakistan and India.

The actor and singer has been facing threats, and Mika Singh recently criticised Diljit for collaborating with Hania.

Now, calls have been emerging to remove Diljit from his upcoming Border 2. The film is a sequel to Sunny Deol’s blockbuster, Border (1997).

Said to be a patriotic film in favour of India, Border 2 stars Diljit along with Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty.

The request to remove Diljit from the movie was reportedly made by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).

The organisation wrote a letter to producers JP Dutta, Bhushan Kumar, and the Border 2 director, Anurag Singh. They said:

“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.

“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.

“This not only defeats the spirit of the film but also sends a disheartening message to every Indian.”

However, despite the uproar, Diljit’s former manager, Sonali Singh, defended him and said:

“Sardaar Ji 3 is not a film backed by a giant corporate house that can absorb the blow of the massive losses.

“This is someone’s life’s earnings and it’s at risk of being wiped out entirely.

“In a career spanning over two decades, Diljit Dosanjh has become a cultural icon not only for India but for the global stage.

“Yet, time and again, he has been placed under the scanner, especially as a proud Sikh, a Punjabi, and an artist who has chosen to represent India with quiet pride rather than loud declarations.

“Diljit is the same man who was addressed by the Honourable Prime Minister as ‘Bharat Ke Gaon Ka Beta’ – a recognition that he truly represents.

“What hurts the most is on one hand, the global media celebrates him as the first Indian to perform at Coachella, to appear on Jimmy Fallon carrying his traditional identity, to walk the Met Gala carrying his culture and roots.

“And every single time, he proudly carries India with him.

“But, on the other hand, in his own country, how quickly we forget.

“How conveniently we celebrate him when he puts India on the map, and how easily we trash him when the narrative turns.

“Does anyone think this doesn’t break his heart?

“He chose to stand by his producers, not to protect himself, but to protect the families behind the film.

“These weren’t giant corporations. These were people from his own country who had poured their lifetime’s savings and dreams into Sardaar Ji 3.

“Despite the backlash he’s facing, Diljit chose to shoulder the burden with them, not leaving them to take the fall alone.

“He stood in solidarity not for profit, but for people.

“In every sense, Diljit Dosanjh has been an ambassador of India not through propaganda, but through spirit, his art, his love.

“And yet, each time, he’s asked to prove the love he’s already shown so consistently. This cycle must end.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Previously, Diljit reacted to the hate he received for starring in Sardaar Ji 3. 

In an interview with BBC Asian Network, the star said: “When the film was made, the situation was fine.

“This film was shot in February. A lot of things happened after that which are not in our control.

“When the Pahalgam attack happened, the producers knew that they can’t release this film in India anymore.

“But, they decided to release it overseas as they have invested a lot of money in the film.

“They will still incur a loss because they are removing an entire territory.

“The truth is, when I signed the film, the situation was just fine.

“Now, when the producers want to release it overseas, I will have to stand with them and support their decision.”

After the success of Amar Singh Chamkila (2024), Diljit Dosanjh is also reuniting with director Imtiaz Ali for an untitled project.

Addressing Imtiaz, the FWICE said: “Your involvement risks sending a deeply conflicting message, especially given your influence as a director known for socially resonant themes.

“We, therefore, strongly appeal to you to reconsider your collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh and withdraw from associating with any artist who has been officially boycotted by FWICE.

“Upholding the dignity of our industry and the nation must remain paramount over professional or commercial interests.”

Border 2 is currently being filmed and is scheduled to be released on January 23, 2026.

Meanwhile, Sardaar Ji 3 is due to hit cinemas on June 27, 2025.