The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has issued a sharp condemnation of actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, producers Gunbir Singh Sidhu and Manmord Sidhu, and director Amar Hundal over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in their upcoming film Sardaarji 3.
The film has sparked major controversy for allegedly violating an industry-wide ban on Pakistani artists and provoking national sentiment amid heightened cross-border tensions.
In a strongly worded statement, FWICE called upon top government authorities—including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Information & Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur—to take immediate and strict action against the filmmakers.
In its letter to the Prime Minister, FWICE wrote: "We, the undersigned office bearers of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing scores of dedicated workers who form the backbone of India's film and television industry, write with deep outrage and unwavering conviction over an act that not only defies the laws and directives of our country but insults the soul of our nation."
The body accused the filmmakers of defying national sentiment by casting Hania Aamir, who it claimed has previously spoken against India. "Daljit Dosanjh, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu and Director Amar Hundal, the public personalities enjoying the privileges of Indian citizenship, have committed an unpardonable act by hiring Pakistani actress Ms. Hania Aamir in their upcoming film 'Sardaar Ji 3'. This decision is not a mere creative choice -- it is a willful affront to the sovereignty, dignity, and security of India," the letter states.
The federation went on to allege that Aamir has used her platform to mock India and justify terror attacks. "Hania Aamir is not merely a foreign artist. She is a vocal propagandist against India, who has used her platform to mock our armed forces, abuse India publicly, and shamelessly justify Pakistan's terror acts post Operation Sindoor. Her inclusion in any Indian film is nothing short of an insult to every Indian citizen, every martyr, and every family affected by cross-border terrorism."
FWICE also emphasized her repeated online conduct, stating: "Ms. Hania Aamir has, time and again, abused her platform to spread venom against India, glorify terrorist forces, demean our armed forces, and mock our national tragedies. Her association with any Indian project is not just insensitive -- it is an act of open provocation against our people and our country."
Referring to the filmmakers’ decision despite these accusations, the statement added: "That Daljit Dosanjh, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu and Director Amar Hundal, fully aware of her background and in brazen disregard of official government directives and industry-wide bans, chose to cast her, only proves where their loyalties lie. Their actions are a gross betrayal of the nation that gave them fame, fortune, and identity. It is a direct insult to every soldier who defends our borders, every family mourning a martyr, and every citizen who stands proudly under the Indian flag. We therefore demand, without equivocation, that the Government of India treat this as a serious breach."
FWICE further called for harsh measures: "We respectfully urge that their passports be revoked without delay, and that they be permanently barred from availing any rights, privileges, or representation associated with Indian citizenship and national identity."
The organization also pointed to the timing of the controversy, coming just weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7. "This act of theirs is not only a direct defiance of FWICE's official ban on Pakistani artists but also a shameful betrayal of our country and its people, especially at a time when our nation is mourning the brutal murder of innocent Indian tourists in Pahalgam by Pakistan-backed terrorists."
Despite being aware of these developments and the industry-wide ban, the filmmakers moved forward with the casting. "Their actions clearly reveal where their loyalties lie -- not with India, not with Indian cinema, and certainly not with the people of this country," the federation alleged.
FWICE has also approached the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), demanding a complete ban on the film’s release in India. According to the federation, authorities have now refused to allow the film to be released domestically. "We are grateful that the authorities have respected our stance and the sentiments of millions of Indians and have officially refused to allow the release of this film on Indian soil."
Reiterating its warning, FWICE added: "Let this serve as a final and stern warning: Any Indian filmmaker or artist who collaborates with Pakistani nationals will be treated as complicit in promoting anti-India narratives."
The organization has now urged all industry bodies and platforms to distance themselves from the project. "We now urge and expect all Producers' Associations, Film Federations, OTT Platforms, Exhibitors, and Distributors across the country to immediately sever all ties with Daljit Dosanjh, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu and Director Amar Hundal. They have chosen to align themselves with the enemy -- and there is no place in the Indian film industry for such individuals. This is not just a call for boycott -- this is a call for national solidarity."
In a separate communication, FWICE has requested the CBFC chairperson to withhold certification of Sardaarji 3 due to the presence of Pakistani artists.
Meanwhile, Diljit Dosanjh announced on Instagram that Sardaarji 3 will release overseas on June 27. Sharing the trailer, he captioned the post: "Sardaar Ji 3 releasing 27th June OVERSEAS only. FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN."
The announcement sparked outrage on social media, with many users expressing anger over his collaboration with a Pakistani actress amid current tensions. The trailer is not currently available on YouTube India but remains accessible through Diljit’s Instagram.
