The casting of Diljit Dosanjh in the upcoming film "Border 2" has stirred controversy within the Indian film industry, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters. Amidst this, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has formally requested that the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah revoke the permission granted for the movie's filming at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune.
The root of the issue lies in Dosanjh's recent collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in "Sardaar Ji 3." This partnership has triggered a backlash, with FWICE emphasizing its standing policy against any collaboration with Pakistani artists, especially given the existing cross-border tensions. The film union has voiced its concerns to Bhushan Kumar from T-Series, along with JP Dutta, Nidhi Dutta of JP Films, and director Anurag Singh, conveying their profound disappointment regarding Dosanjh's inclusion in a movie that carries significant national importance.
FWICE articulated that casting Dosanjh undermines the sentiment of unity within the Indian film fraternity, especially when tensions between the two nations remain high. They emphasized that such actions disrespect the sacrifices made by Indian armed forces and citizens who continually face the consequences of cross-border hostilities and terrorism. FWICE further argued that including Dosanjh in "Border 2," a film intended to honor the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers, is inappropriate and misaligned with the film's core message, potentially sending the wrong signal to audiences.
"Border 2," helmed by Anurag Singh, serves as a sequel to the 1997 film "Border," a war epic based on the Battle of Longewala during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The sequel is expected to portray the 1999 Kargil War. The cast includes Sunny Deol, reprising his role from the original, alongside Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh. Production commenced in December 2024, with plans to wrap up by August 2025, targeting a Republic Day 2026 release.
Adding to the film's patriotic fervor, the producers reportedly secured the rights to the iconic song "Sandese Aate Hai" from the original "Border" for a substantial sum, intending to preserve its emotional impact in the new version.
As the controversy unfolds, the spotlight remains on the producers and relevant authorities to address the concerns raised by FWICE and ensure the film aligns with national sentiments, given its theme and tribute to the Indian armed forces.
