Diljit Dosanjh Responds to Backlash Over Hania Aamir’s Role in Sardaar Ji 3

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3 has found itself at the centre of controversy. The film’s trailer, released this past Sunday, sparked widespread backlash after fans noticed Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a lead role.

Due to the political climate and the inclusion of several Pakistani actors—Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela—the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to withhold certification for the film. Consequently, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have opted to forgo an Indian theatrical release. Instead, the film will have an exclusive international release on June 27, 2025.

Reacting to the growing criticism, Dosanjh addressed the issue in a recent interview with BBC Asian Network. "Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation sab theek tha. We shot this in Feb and then everything was fine. Uske baad, bohut saari badi cheezein humare haath mein nahi hain. Toh producers ne decide kiya ki film obviously ab India mein toh nahi lagegi, toh overseas release karte hain. Toh producers ka bohut paisa laga hua hain aur jab yeh film bann rahi thi tab aisa kuch tha nahi."

He further explained that the current situation was unforeseeable and that the producers are making the best of a difficult scenario. "They know there will be a loss because you're removing an entire territory. 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."

Speaking about his experience of working with Hania Aamir, the actor and singer shared, "Very good. She's very professional. I really respect her work and her privacy. I'm also a very private person myself and I give everyone their space, especially women. To the point hi baat hoti hai zyaada kuch nahi."

As the film heads for its global release, the debate around cross-border artistic collaborations continues to stir public and political discourse. For now, Sardaar Ji 3 remains barred from Indian screens, serving as yet another reminder of how art and geopolitics often collide.