The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) appealed to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to stop the release certificate for Diljit Dosanj’s upcoming film ‘Sardar G3’ due to the inclusion of Pakistani actors.
In a formal letter addressed to CBFC President Prasoon Joshi, FWICE raised objections on the participation of Pakistani citizens like Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar and Salim Albela in the film.
‘Align with national spirit’ FWICE CBFC states
The letter states, “In the light of the recent instructions issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I & B Ministry), with cooperation with Pakistani artists in Pakistani-root material and Indian presentations, and parallel stance adopted by FWICE, we urge to align CBFC before proceeding with authentication.”
FWIC emphasized the appreciation of CBFC’s “fair and rigid certification process”, while urging the board to “consider this request properly”.
BJP Union also opposed Pakistani actors in Indian films
Echoing similar emotions, BJP Chitrapat Kamagar Aghdi also gave voice to its opposition. The Sangh said in a statement, “We strongly oppose any Pakistani artist associated with Indian cinema. This BJP Chitrapat Kamagar Union demands that ‘Sardar G3’ should not be allowed to obtain a sensor certificate.”
The BJP-Buddhist Film Union said, “This is not just a political issue-this is about the national spirit and the dignity of our country.”
Post-Palagam attack Indo-Pak tension
After April 22, 2025, the opposition to ‘Sardar G3’ between India and Pakistan increases, after 22 April, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam’s Bisaran Valley, where 26 tourists including a Nepali National were killed. The attack was convicted on Pakistan-proposed militants.
In response, India carried out counter-terrorist attacks in Pakistan, targeted and destroyed many terrorist infrastructure. The Government of India followed with a strict advice for OTT platforms and streaming services, instructing them to stop all Pakistani-root content, including films, web series, songs and podcasts. Even the social media accounts of Pakistani actors in India were banned.
As a result, involvement of Pakistani actors in any Indian production is now considered a violation of these advisors, possibly putting the release of the film completely at all.
While neither Diljit Dosanzh nor ‘Sardar Ji 3’ makers have issued an official statement so far, controversy has shook a new debate around the intersection of politics, art and nationalism in Indian cinema.
