The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has demanded strict action against the makers of Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh and his upcoming film ‘Sardar Ji 3’. The organization wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealing to take immediate steps against Diljit, producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu and director Amar Hundal, as Pakistani actress Hania Aamir has been cast in the film. FWICE called it “deliberately insulted the nation’s sovereignty, dignity and security”.
The controversy increased on 22 April 2025 after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir and in response to the ‘Operation Sindoor’ carried out by India on 7 May, in which airstrikes were carried out on terrorist bases in Pakistan and POK. FWICE accused Hania of “anti -India propaganda” and “promoting terrorism”, claiming that their casting is “insulting martyrs and nation”.
The FWICE demanded the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) not to certify the film and spoke of a complete ban against Diljit and producers. The president of the organization B.N. Tiwari said, “Diljit hurt Indian sentiments by choosing Pakistani talent.” Diljit shared the trailer on Instagram on Sunday, June 22, announced that the film will be released only abroad on 27 June, as there is a ban on Pakistani artists in India.
On social media, Diljit is being trolled as “traitors” and “embarrassing”, some demanded the removal of his film ‘Border 2’. Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu clarified that the shooting of the film was completed before the Indo-Pak tension. Nevertheless, FWICE demanded the cancellation of passports and snatching the rights of Indian citizenship.
