Diljit Dosanjh’s Role in Border 2 Gets Green Light, But Ban on Future Projects Stands
After intense discussions between the film’s co-producers T-Series and various industry federations, actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has been officially allowed to remain part of the upcoming war drama Border 2. The decision comes amid a wave of controversy surrounding his earlier film Sardaar Ji 3 and calls to boycott his casting in patriotic-themed films.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Diljit shared a video from the set of Border 2, indirectly putting an end to the speculation over his removal from the cast.
BN Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), confirmed the resolution:
“We had three-four meetings with T-Series in which they told us the film is nearing completion. They also informed us that with Diljit only two-three days of work was left. Since the film doesn’t star any Pakistani artist and is a patriotic movie, we agreed and allowed them to go ahead.”
Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association, echoed the sentiment, saying:
“T Series said it would not have been possible to change the cast for them. Not just because of the losses, but mainly because it’s a big cast of actors… Bhushan [Kumar] said matching dates of every actor for a re-shoot would mean the film will get pushed. We are not here to harass producers, we understood. But the non-cooperation with Diljit continues.”
Permission to Shoot at NDA Restored
Earlier, FWICE had requested the Ministry of Defence to revoke permission for the film’s shoot at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune due to Diljit’s presence. However, that demand has now been dropped.
“Our demand for the permission to shoot at NDA to be revoked has been withdrawn, and the shoot can continue,” confirmed Ashoke Pandit.
No New Projects for Diljit Dosanjh
Despite the compromise on Border 2, FWICE maintains a firm stance on future projects involving Diljit. BN Tiwari stated:
“All new projects starring Diljit will be opposed, especially where a change in cast is possible. Director Imtiaz Ali’s next film, which features Diljit, can’t go ahead if he stars in it.”
The industry remains split on the issue, but Border 2 now moves forward with Diljit Dosanjh in the cast, albeit under heightened scrutiny.