Mumbai, India — In a move that has stunned the South Asian film community, the highly anticipated Punjabi film starring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir has been put on indefinite hold after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its strict stand on banning Pakistani artists from working in Indian productions.

What was set to be a groundbreaking collaboration between two of the region’s brightest stars — and a potential box office magnet across both India and Pakistan — has now been pushed into uncertainty, reigniting debates on art, politics, and nationalism.

“The project was almost ready to roll,” a source close to the production revealed. “But now everything is on pause. The atmosphere has become too sensitive.”

The Film That Could Have Rewritten Borders

The untitled Punjabi-language romantic drama was to mark Hania Aamir’s debut in Indian cinema and Diljit’s return to a more culturally rooted, cross-border love story, a genre that has historically captured audiences on both sides.

Directed by a well-known Punjabi filmmaker and backed by an Indo-Canadian production house, the film was being positioned as a symbol of unity — aiming to bridge gaps between neighboring countries through storytelling.

“We wanted to show love beyond borders,” one insider said. “But now, we’re caught in political crossfire.”

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FWICE Issues Warning: “No Pakistani Artists Allowed”

The FWICE, which oversees the employment and regulation of film workers across Western India, issued a formal reminder to all Indian production houses earlier this month, reaffirming its strict prohibition on hiring Pakistani actors, singers, or technicians.

“The ban remains. No exceptions,” FWICE President B.N. Tiwari stated.
“Anyone working with Pakistani artists will face industry-level consequences.”

Though the original ban was enacted in 2016 following rising political tensions, recent attempts by some producers to quietly bring in cross-border talent had alarmed FWICE, prompting this latest crackdown.

Hania Aamir’s Casting Sparks Backlash and Silence

While fans were excited to see the Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha star team up with Diljit Dosanjh, her casting reportedly drew criticism from nationalist groups and conservative media, leading to mounting pressure on the film’s backers.

Neither Hania Aamir nor Diljit Dosanjh has publicly commented on the controversy yet, but social media has already taken sides:

“Hania is a fantastic actress. Why punish art over politics?”

“FWICE is right — national interest first.”

“This is heartbreaking. Why start something you can’t finish?”

Production Team Scrambling: “Creative Vision Crushed”

The production crew, which had begun early preparations, is now in limbo. With some scenes already conceptualized, sets partially constructed, and international distribution discussions underway, the sudden pause has put the entire project in jeopardy.

“We’re trying to find a way forward — whether that means replacing Hania or moving the shoot abroad,” said a member of the film’s creative team. “But honestly, the soul of the story was built around the Indo-Pak pairing.”

Fans Heartbroken: “Art Should Not Have Borders”

Online fan communities, especially in Punjab, Delhi, Lahore, and Karachi, have expressed anger and sorrow over the development:

“We were finally going to see our favorite stars unite — this was more than just a film.”
“Why is culture always the first casualty in politics?”

Hashtags like #DiljitHaniaMovie, #LetArtBreathe, and #NoToBanOnArtists began trending on X and Instagram.

Will Diljit Stay or Walk Away?

There’s growing speculation that Diljit Dosanjh — known for balancing his artistic integrity with political awareness — may withdraw from the project entirely if producers are forced to replace Hania.

“Diljit has always stood for unity and inclusion,” said a source close to the singer-actor. “He doesn’t want to be part of something that compromises that message.

Conclusion: A Film That May Never Be Made — But Will Never Be Forgotten

The dream of seeing Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir together on screen was more than just entertainment — it was a symbol of what art can do when it dares to cross lines politics won’t.

But now, that dream hangs in the balance — caught in the web of red tape, nationalism, and unresolved conflict.

“Borders divide land. But why must they divide hearts?”