Renowned Indian Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh is reportedly facing threats of being blacklisted from Bollywood, particularly from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), due to his decision to cast Pakistani actors in his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3.
According to media reports, FWICE President B.N. Tiwari has strongly criticized Dosanjh and threatened his expulsion from the Indian film industry, stating that collaborating with Pakistani artists is equivalent to “betrayal.” He further warned that anyone opposing the ban on Pakistani talent could be blacklisted from the industry.
In light of this, the FWICE has sent a letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), urging them not to issue a certification for Sardaar Ji 3.
The controversy stems from the inclusion of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, who was set to make her Bollywood debut with Sardaar Ji 3. The film has completed shooting, but tensions have escalated due to a recent attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, leading to a renewed ban on Pakistani artists in India.
Additionally, another project featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, titled Abeer Gilal, has also been halted due to the ongoing strained relations between the two nuclear-armed nations.
The situation reflects the continuing challenges faced by cross-border artistic collaborations amidst geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.
