Mumbai: After urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take strict action against Diljit Dosanjh for collaborating with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has now expressed disappointment over casting of the Punjabi actor-singer in ‘Border 2.’
“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,” FWICE wrote to T-Series Chairman & Managing Director Bhushan Kumar, JP Films producers, JP Dutta and Nidhi Dutta and director Anurag Singh.
Calling the decision of casting Diljit in ‘Border 2’ a “blatant violation” of “FWICE’s official directive to boycott him, the letter added, “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.”
“FWICE has time and again made its position clear — we will not accept or tolerate any cooperation or collaboration with Pakistani artists in any form or on any platform. Such actions are a disservice to the sacrifices made by our armed forces and citizens who continue to face the consequences of cross-border hostilities and terrorism,” the letter further read.
Expressing how “disturbing” it is “that a film like Border 2, which is supposed to honour the valour and sacrifice of Indian soldiers, has engaged an individual who has recently chosen to prioritize personal gain over national respect by associating with talent from a hostile nation. This not only defeats the spirit of the film but also sends a disheartening message to every Indian.”
“We hereby request you to immediately reconsider your casting decision. FWICE urges you to stand by the nation and the industry’s collective stand. Let us reiterate–for us, the nation comes first, and we expect the same unwavering commitment from every respected member of the film fraternity,” the letter concluded.
Directed by Anurag Singh, ‘Border 2’ also features Varun Dhawan, Sunny Deol and Ahan Shetty.
Diljit landed in a soup for working with Hania in ‘Sardaar Ji 3.’
The FWICE slammed the actor and the filmmakers for collaborating with Hania.
Amid backlash, the film is slated for an overseas release on June 27.