Gayatri S
Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh has landed in hot water following the release of the trailer for his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3. The reason? The casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a lead role—a move that has ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media platforms and beyond.
The backlash comes at a time of heightened political tensions between India and Pakistan, following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor. In this charged atmosphere, the inclusion of a Pakistani artist in an Indian production has struck a nerve with many.
The Controversial Casting
On June 22, 2025, Diljit Dosanjh unveiled the trailer for Sardaar Ji 3 on Instagram, revealing that the film would release exclusively overseas on June 27. The trailer featured Hania Aamir, a popular Pakistani actress, in a prominent role alongside Diljit and Neeru Bajwa. Almost immediately, the internet erupted.
Critics pointed out that Hania had previously made controversial remarks about India’s 2019 airstrike on Pakistan, calling it a “cowardly act.” This resurfaced in the wake of the trailer, fueling outrage and calls for a boycott of the film.
Social Media Uproar
The hashtag #BoycottSardaarJi3 began trending within hours. Comments ranged from disappointment to outright condemnation. One user wrote, “This isn’t just tone-deaf—it’s shameless. India deserves better.” Another added, “Remove Diljit from Border 2. He’s betrayed the nation.”
Some even questioned Diljit’s patriotism, accusing him of prioritizing global fame over national sentiment. Memes, angry tweets, and emotional posts flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, turning the film’s release into a political flashpoint.
Industry Fallout
The controversy didn’t stop at social media. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reportedly urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to withhold certification for Sardaar Ji 3, citing national sentiment and the ongoing ban on Pakistani artists in Indian cinema.
This isn’t the first time the Indian film industry has faced such a dilemma. Following the 2016 Uri attack, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) had imposed a ban on Pakistani artists. That ban, though unofficial, has been largely respected—until now.
Overseas-Only Release Strategy
In what appears to be a preemptive move, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 announced that the film would not be released in India. The trailer and promotional content are geo-restricted on YouTube India but remain accessible via Diljit’s Instagram and international platforms.
This decision has only added fuel to the fire. Critics argue that the overseas-only release is a way to sidestep accountability while still profiting from global audiences.
The Film Itself
Directed by Amar Hundal, Sardaar Ji 3 is the third installment in the popular Punjabi horror-comedy franchise. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh as a ghost hunter, with Neeru Bajwa and Hania Aamir playing key roles. The story follows the trio as they attempt to exorcise a spirit from a haunted mansion in the UK.
While the franchise has enjoyed commercial success in the past, this latest installment is now overshadowed by controversy.
Diljit’s Silence
As of now, Diljit Dosanjh has not issued a public statement addressing the backlash. His silence has been interpreted by some as indifference, further aggravating critics. Others argue that he may be waiting for the storm to pass before responding.
Either way, the lack of clarification has left fans and detractors alike speculating about his motivations and loyalties.
Divided Public Opinion
Interestingly, not everyone is against the casting. Some fans have defended Diljit, arguing that art should transcend borders and that artists shouldn’t be held accountable for political decisions. “Cinema is a bridge, not a battleground,” one user commented.
However, this view remains in the minority, especially given the current geopolitical climate.
The Bigger Picture
The Sardaar Ji 3 controversy raises larger questions about the role of art in times of political conflict. Should artists be held to the same standards as politicians? Is it fair to boycott a film based on the nationality of its cast?
These are complex questions with no easy answers. But what’s clear is that in today’s hyper-connected world, every creative decision is subject to intense scrutiny.
Final Thoughts
Diljit Dosanjh’s decision to cast Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3 has sparked a debate that goes far beyond cinema. It touches on issues of nationalism, artistic freedom, and the responsibilities of public figures. Whether the film succeeds overseas or fades under the weight of controversy remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: Sardaar Ji 3 has already made headlines—and not for the reasons its creators might have hoped.
Read more:
- “This award is mine…”, Shah Rukh Khan’s post after receiving the National Award, but fans are worried after seeing the fractured hand
- Son Of Sardar 2 Review: Hit or Flop? How is Ajay Devgn- Mrunal Thakur’s ‘Son of Sardar 2’
- Taapsee Pannu’s amazing journey from South to Bollywood; Know her career
- Will This Bollywood Actress Get Married Soon? She Confirms Her Relationship With a Happy Update
- Kingdom Box Office Collection Day 1: Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom movie is a blast on the first day
