When patriotism meets casting controversy, expect fireworks—and this week, it came with a Rupali Ganguly twist. The Anupamaa star has openly criticized the inclusion of Diljit Dosanjh in the upcoming war drama Border 2, aligning herself with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which has taken a hardline stance after Dosanjh cast Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3.
What Sparked the Outrage?
It all began when Diljit Dosanjh dropped the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3, co-starring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, just weeks after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. With tensions already high and nationalism surging in the wake of India’s military response (Operation Sindoor), the move struck a nerve.
FWICE slammed the collaboration, calling it “insensitive” and “against the sentiments of the Indian public.” Their letter to Border 2 producers Bhushan Kumar and JP Dutta urged them to drop Dosanjh from the film, which is rooted in Indian military pride and set at the prestigious National Defence Academy.
Rupali Ganguly’s Blistering Tweet
Rupali Ganguly jumped into the fray with a powerful tweet:
“Border was a film that evoked deep patriotism among the people of our nation. It’s truly disheartening and frustrating to see an actor in #Border2 who fails to recognize his responsibilities towards the country. Kudos to the makers for showing clarity and conviction by dropping that actor from the film. A film that celebrates our soldiers and national pride must reflect that spirit in every aspect. No room for confused loyalties in a film about national pride. JAI HIND.”
The TV superstar’s post sent a clear message: national pride comes first, even if it means publicly calling out a fellow actor.
Is Diljit Out of Border 2?
Despite the pressure, there’s no official confirmation from the filmmakers that Dosanjh has been dropped. Speculation ran wild when Ammy Virk’s name popped up as a possible replacement, but his team clarified he was attached to the project from the beginning.
Still, the combined heat from FWICE and now Ganguly’s comment may force the team’s hand. The controversy has snowballed from an industry discussion into a nationalistic litmus test.
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Why This Isn’t Just About a Movie
This isn’t just Bollywood gossip. It’s a cultural flashpoint. A film like Border 2, meant to honor Indian soldiers, is now caught in a storm over what it means to represent the country both onscreen and off. The sentiment is clear: if you’re starring in a film about sacrifice and national pride, your choices—even in other films—will be scrutinized under the patriotic microscope.
