MUMBAI — Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh is at the center of a brewing controversy after India’s Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) threatened to ban him from Bollywood over alleged collaborations with Pakistani actors in his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3.
FWICE President B.N. Tiwari issued a strong statement following renewed tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. The incident has reignited a longstanding industry-wide ban on Pakistani artists working in Indian cinema.
“If Diljit Dosanjh or any other artist continues to act like this, action will be taken not just against their film, but against them personally. We have no place for traitors,” Tiwari told Indian media. “They will be ousted from the industry if they do not work for the betterment of the country.”
Sardaar Ji 3 Sparks Controversy
While Dosanjh’s film teaser, released Sunday, did not feature any Pakistani artists, speculation erupted online over the possible involvement of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir. Rumors intensified after fans noticed a woman resembling Aamir in behind-the-scenes images and following her meeting with Dosanjh during his recent music tour.
Although the casting has not been officially confirmed, Indian media claims Dosanjh also collaborated with Pakistani actors Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela during the film’s production.
In response, FWICE has written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) urging them to block Sardaar Ji 3’s certification, citing national interest and recent directives from India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
“In light of the I&B Ministry’s recent guidelines prohibiting collaboration with Pakistani artistes, we urge CBFC to align with these national interests before granting any certification,” the FWICE letter stated, according to Filmfare.