Diljit Dosanjh has silenced rumours of his removal from Border 2 by posting a behind-the-scenes video straight from the film’s set. In the Instagram clip, the Punjabi singer-actor is seen stepping out of his vanity van wearing an Indian Air Force uniform, complete with insignia, before heading onto the set. The visual confirmation comes after weeks of speculation and industry chatter suggesting Diljit had been dropped from the film.Reports had gained momentum amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3, which stars Diljit opposite Pakistani actor Hania Aamir. The backlash had escalated after the film was released outside India on June 27 but not domestically, given heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.FWICE lifts ban after Bhushan Kumar’s interventionThe Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which had earlier issued a non-cooperation order against Diljit, has now lifted the ban. FWICE President BN Tiwari told India Today that producer Bhushan Kumar personally appealed to the federation, requesting that Diljit be allowed to shoot for Border 2. “Yes, the ban has been revoked for this project,” Tiwari confirmed.However, the decision isn’t without dissent within the federation.Ashoke Pandit says non-cooperation continuesFilmmaker Ashoke Pandit, who is also associated with FWICE, maintained a contradictory stance. “So, we have non-cooperation against Diljit continuing,” he said. “Anyone else who casts him must be prepared for consequences. The Federation won’t be responsible for the financial losses that might follow.”While he acknowledged that there are no Pakistani actors in Border 2, Pandit argued that the nature of the film—a patriotic drama centered on India’s armed forces—makes Diljit’s previous collaboration with a Pakistani artist all the more sensitive.
FWICE had earlier urged makers to drop Diljit from the filmJust days before the BTS video surfaced, FWICE had written a strongly worded letter to the makers of Border 2, urging them to cut ties with the actor. “Your involvement risks sending a deeply conflicting message,” the letter read, stressing that artistic and commercial priorities should not override national sentiment. It added, “Upholding the dignity of our industry and the nation must remain paramount.”Border 2, the much-awaited sequel to the 1997 war epic Border, is being helmed by Kesari director Anurag Singh. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and now confirmed once again, Diljit Dosanjh. It is being jointly produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta.
