The producers of Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, have issued a statement amid intense calls for its ban in India. They emphasized that the film was shot “well before the prevailing situation that our country is facing now” and that Aamir was contracted before tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
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Their statement, released Tuesday, reaffirmed, “It was never ever the case that any Pakistani artist was signed or was engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.” The filmmakers further expressed solidarity with India during this sensitive time, announcing the decision not to release the film or any promotional content in India “until the situation becomes opportune”.
Political Rotation: From Terror Attack to Film Certainty
The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, claimed 26 lives and triggered a renewed ban on Pakistani artistes in India. India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This uptick in tensions led bodies like the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to demand that Pakistanis be excluded from Indian media content.
Following the trailer’s release June 22, social media backlash quickly followed, with many labelling the casting as unpatriotic. A nationwide boycott movement ensued, with some even urging Diljit’s removal from his patriotic venture, Border 2.
Diljit Dosanjh Breaks Silence, Blames Circumstances
Diljit Dosanjh addressed the uproar during an interview with BBC Asian Network, underscoring that “when this film was made, everything was fine.” He noted the shoot finished in February, before the Pahalgam attack or the subsequent ban on Pakistani talent in India.
He confirmed that the decision to skip an Indian release was owing to conditions beyond their control: “So producers decided obviously, this will not release in India, so we’ll release overseas,” referencing the large investment involved.
Diljit also posted a cryptic social media message: “Censored before release?”, stirring rumors that casting Aamir was a protest against previous censorship struggles—specifically, the heavy cuts imposed on his earlier film Punjab 95.
Peers, Industry Voices Weigh In
Sonali Singh: A Voice of Defense
Diljit’s former manager, Sonali Singh, offered strong support, calling the backlash “disheartening and unfair.” She reminded critics that Sardaar Ji 3 was shot long before political tensions dimmed, and pointed out that boycotts by fans could cause significant financial loss to the cast and crew.
She lauded Diljit as a “cultural icon” who promotes “love, unity and kindness,” accusing detractors of unfairly punishing him. “Let’s stop punishing our artists for being human first,” she stated.
Mika Singh: Criticism from Within the Industry
Contrasting views emerged too. Singer Mika Singh sharply criticized those working with Pakistani talent, posting: “Before releasing any content that involves artists from across the border, they should think twice — especially when our nation’s dignity is involved.” He accused Diljit of betrayal and highlighted inconsistencies in cross-border collaboration policies.
Online, voices echoed both sides. One Reddit user said, “If Fawad Khan’s movies and Atif Aslam’s songs are not allowed… why different rules for Hania Amir in Diljit’s film?” Another user supported the counterargument: “When he was making this movie how would he know relations would get bad”.
Industry Enforcement: FWICE Targets Border 2
The FWICE recently escalated concerns by writing to producers of Border 2, expressing “deep disappointment” in Diljit’s casting of Aamir. They characterized his choice as a “blatant violation” of its directive to boycott Pakistani individuals and warned that featuring such talent in a film celebrating Indian soldiers undermines the spirit of the project.
Release Plans and Public Response
Overseas Premiere Set
Despite the backlash, Sardaar Ji 3 is set for release overseas only on June 27, 2025, targeting markets like North America, the UK, Canada, and the Middle East.
Mixed Public Reaction
Online reaction has been sharply divided. Critics slammed the filmmakers for not editing out Aamir’s scenes, saying it reflects “profit first, nation second.” However, others defended the production team: “Art has no boundaries… perfect decision,” wrote supporters.
Looking Ahead: Border 2 Fallout
Set for a January 23, 2026 release, Border 2 from T-Series and JP Films, directed by Anurag Singh, stars Diljit alongside Varun Dhawan, Sunny Deol, and Ahan Shetty. Given FWICE’s stance, debates around its casting continue, amplifying tensions between creative freedom and nationalistic pressures.
By – Sonali