Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming film, Sardaar Ji 3, has stirred massive backlash from industry insiders and fans alike over casting Pakistani actress, Hania Aamir. The Punjabi singer-actor has been facing mounting criticism and boycott calls following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Things escalated when Diljit shared a trailer of the film on his Instagram, prompting artists like B Praak and Mika Singh to voice their disappointment for disrespecting the country’s sentiments. And now, the makers have broken their silence on the fallout.
Sardaar Ji 3 makers issue official statement regarding casting and release
The production house of Sardaar Ji 3, White Hills Studios, released a statement in an Instagram post released on June 24, 2025, addressing the criticism. The makers clarified that the film was shot months before the tragic attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. They also clarified that no Pakistani artist was signed after Pahalgam and stated:
“This is to bring to everyone’s kind notice that the film named Sardaar Ji 3 was shot well before the prevailing situation that our country is facing now, and it was never ever the case that any Pakistani artist was signed or was engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.”
Following the tragic Pahalgam attack, Indian film bodies enforced a ban on Pakistani artists. Although Sardaar Ji 3 was initially set for a global release, including in India, the makers chose to withhold its Indian release. Despite heavy investments, the team decided against promoting or releasing the film in India, citing respect for the prevailing national sentiment. The note read:
“We stand united with our country and our fellow countrymen during this sensitive time. Considering the same, we had decided not to release the film or any of its promotional content in India until the situation becomes opportune.”
Diljit Dosanjh defends Sardaar Ji 3’s makers
Diljit, who has also received significant backlash for the film, starring in the lead role alongside Hania Aamir and Neeru Bajwa, echoed the sentiments of the makers. In a recent interview with BBC Asian Network, the singer-actor explained that when the film was shot, everything was peaceful, and no one could have foreseen the conflict to come. He said:
“Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation theek tha. We shot this in February. Then a lot of things happened which were beyond our control. The producers knew that the film would not release in India, and so they decided to release it overseas. Producers ka bahot paisa laga hai. Even when I signed the film, everything was fine. Now, the situation is not in our hands. So if the producers want to release it abroad, I support them.”
Film bodies call for a ban on Sardaar Ji 3
Following the trailer launch of Sardaar Ji 3 on June 23, 2025, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) demanded action against Diljit, the producers, and the director. FWICE appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel their passports and citizenship, labelling their actions as ‘anti-national’.
The controversy comes just weeks after Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan’s Indo-Pak collaboration, Abir Gulaal, was shelved indefinitely, in light of the Pahalgam incident. After Operation Sindoor, Indian social media platforms have also reinstated the ban on Pakistani artists Fawad Khan, Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, and many more. Meanwhile, Sardaar Ji 3 is slated for an overseas release on June 27, 2025.
What is your take on the Sardaar Ji 3 controversy? Let us know.
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