The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), one of the most influential bodies in the Indian film industry, has made a strong public appeal demanding severe action against actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh and the makers of the upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3. The reason behind the outrage? The casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the lead role — a move the federation considers not only controversial but also a violation of national sentiment.
In an official statement, FWICE has urged the Government of India, and specifically Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to intervene and initiate “immediate and strict action” against everyone associated with the film. This includes the producers, the creative team, and especially Diljit Dosanjh, who is both the lead star and one of the prominent names driving the project. The federation has even gone as far as to recommend the cancellation of Dosanjh’s passport, a rare and extreme step that reflects the intensity of their opposition.
Calling it “an act of sheer insensitivity,” the federation slammed the filmmakers for bringing in a Pakistani artist to play a pivotal role at a time when diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan remain strained. “Despite repeated warnings and the ban on collaboration with Pakistani talent, certain sections of the industry continue to disregard national interest for commercial gain,” the statement read.
FWICE has maintained a longstanding stance against any professional collaboration with Pakistani nationals in the Indian entertainment industry, especially in the aftermath of cross-border tensions and repeated instances of terrorism allegedly sponsored from across the border. The ban, though unofficial, has been widely followed in Bollywood since 2016, following the Uri attack and subsequent surgical strikes.
“The pain and loss endured by our soldiers and citizens cannot be ignored. To allow Pakistani artists to feature in Indian cinema is not just disrespectful — it’s a betrayal,” said a senior FWICE spokesperson. “By casting Hania Aamir, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have shown utter disregard for the collective sentiment of the nation.”
The federation has also demanded a complete industry-wide boycott of the film and those associated with it, urging production houses, distributors, cinema chains, and digital platforms to refrain from promoting or releasing the film in India. “If patriotic values are not upheld by those in positions of influence, then what message are we sending to the world?” the statement questioned.
Meanwhile, there has been no official response from Diljit Dosanjh or the producers of Sardaar Ji 3 regarding FWICE’s accusations and demands. The film, which features Dosanjh in his iconic turbaned avatar, had already been caught in the crossfire of political and social tension due to its cross-border casting, and this latest escalation has only intensified the controversy.
The spotlight also remains on Hania Aamir, a rising star in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, who made her Indian debut with this film. While her performance has been widely praised in teaser clips and promos, the backlash she’s received is emblematic of the larger cultural freeze that still exists between the two nations, especially in mainstream media collaborations.
Many in the film fraternity have chosen to remain silent on the issue, while a few voices have cautiously expressed that art should not always be subjected to political boundaries. However, FWICE’s firm stance may make it extremely difficult for the film to find a theatrical or digital release within India, and may also impact Diljit Dosanjh’s future projects if the controversy deepens.
As the situation unfolds, the future of Sardaar Ji 3 hangs in uncertainty. Whether the government will act upon FWICE’s requests remains to be seen — but the storm surrounding the film is far from over.
