Diljit Dosanjh faces partial ban, Bhushan Kumar agrees to Border 2 but ends future ties

The controversy surrounding actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh continues to unfold, as leading producer Bhushan Kumar declared that he will not collaborate with the actor in any future films. This comes in the wake of Diljit’s association with Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani actor Hania Aamir and released internationally despite ongoing tensions between Indian cine bodies and the ban on Pakistani artists post the Pahalgam terror attack.

While Bhushan Kumar has received special permission from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to retain Diljit in Border 2, the decision is limited to that film alone. Kumar told India Today that he had already shot significant portions with Diljit and only one song remained. “Will never cast Diljit Dosanjh in future films. Have issued a letter to the federation,” Kumar confirmed.

The FWICE clarified that the temporary lifting of the ban applies solely to Border 2 due to the advanced production stage. BN Tiwari, president of FWICE, said, “Bhushan Kumar approached us twice. He said that removing Diljit at this stage is not possible. We agreed considering only one song is pending.” However, Tiwari also emphasised that this exemption does not imply wider support. “We are still against his other collaborations.”

Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association, reiterated this stance. “Non-cooperation against Diljit continues. Any producer choosing to work with him outside Border 2 should be ready for consequences,” he said. He also noted that the film involves no Pakistani actors and centres around the Indian security forces, which influenced their leniency.

Meanwhile, Sardaar Ji 3 opened to impressive numbers overseas. As per Sacnilk, the film earned ?18 crore globally during its opening weekend, including nearly ?4 crore from Pakistan alone—marking the biggest opening for an Indian film there.

Despite the backlash, Diljit has a busy schedule ahead. He is set to feature in Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming project and was also linked to Boney Kapoor’s No Entry 2, alongside Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor. Whether those projects proceed remains uncertain amid the ongoing industry rift.