Despite backlash, Diljit Dosanjh still part of Border 2?

When his most recent film, Sardaar Ji 3, starring Pakistani actor Hania Amir, was released internationally, Diljit Dosanjh found himself in the middle of an increasingly heated controversy. Numerous film organisations have demanded action against the actor, including a ban from working on any projects in India, in response to the decision, which has sparked a heated online debate. His removal from the next patriotic film, Border 2, is one such demand.

Border 2 makers refute claims of Diljit Dosanjh's removal

There are no intentions to remove Diljit from the project, according to trustworthy sources close to the film's production. The source informed Hindustan Times, "There is no plan to replace or remove Diljit from Border 2. The announcement about his casting was made almost nine months back, before any of the unfortunate situations had happened. Almost 40-50 per cent of the film’s shooting has already been done, so making any change at this point is not possible."

Despite the growing pressure, the producers Bhushan Kumar and Nidhi Dutta have remained silent. Bhushan and Sunny Deol were both urged to reevaluate their partnership with Dosanjh by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) in letters sent on June 25. So far, neither of them has responded.

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FWICE Wwites to defence and home ministries to halt NDA shoot

By contacting government officials, FWICE has escalated the situation even further. The organisation asked the defence and home ministers to rescind the authorisation for filming Border 2 at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in a letter they sent on Friday.

Actors in Sardaar Ji 3 have likewise made some notable progress. The film's female lead and co-star of Diljit Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa, deleted all Instagram postings promoting the film on Thursday, the day before its international premiere. Her actions have only served to heighten the conjecture, as she has refrained from making any public statements.

Guru Randhawa and Mika Singh react

People in the industry are finally speaking up. Guru Randhawa posted a mysterious message on X, saying, "Lakh pardesi hoyieee, Apna desh nhi bhandi daa. Jehre mulk da khayie, us da bura nhi mangi da" (No matter how much one travels abroad, one shouldn’t badmouth their own country. One should never wish ill for the country that feeds them), while Mika Singh attacked the casting decision. Many took Dosanjh's comments personally in the post. Curiously, the day after that, Randhawa disabled his X account.

A formal statement addressing the matter may be released soon, according to sources close to the Border 2 team.