Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaar Ji 3 makers on Hania Aamir casting controversy: Pakistani actor was not signed after Pahalgam attack

Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaar Ji 3 makers on Hania Aamir casting controversy: Pakistani actor was not signed after Pahalgam attack

The makers of Sardaar Ji 3, starring and co-produced by Diljit Dosanjh, have finally addressed the growing backlash over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the film. The controversy intensified after the trailer of the movie came out which featured Hain with Diljit. Following the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam (April 22), after which India-Pakistan relations deteriorated significantly, Pak actors have been banned in India.

Amid calls for a ban on the film by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), the filmmakers issued a public statement on Tuesday (June 24), clarifying their stance.

In an official note posted to Instagram, the makers emphasised that Sardaar Ji 3 had completed production prior to the Pahalgam incident. “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,” the statement read.

The producers reiterated their commitment to national sentiment, saying, “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.”

The controversy took center stage after the film's trailer was released on June 22, confirming Hania Aamir’s involvement—something that had only been speculated until then. The backlash was immediate. FWICE, in particular, warned Diljit Dosanjh of potential consequences if the film was released, even overseas. The trailer, meanwhile, remains geo-blocked in India.

Speaking to BBC Asian Network, Diljit Dosanjh addressed the issue directly, explaining that the circumstances surrounding the film’s release were beyond their control. “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,” he said.

“When the film was being made, the situation was totally different,” he added, defending the team’s decisions and clarifying that the producers had no ill intent. The film is now set for an overseas-only release on June 27, 2025.

The teaser released earlier this year did not include Hania Aamir, and her involvement remained under wraps until the trailer’s debut. The timing of this reveal—coinciding with a tense political climate—sparked outrage.

Notably, this isn't the first cross-border film to face consequences in recent months. Actor Fawad Khan's much-anticipated return to Indian cinema with Abir Gulaal was also halted, unable to release due to the sensitive political environment post the Pahalgam attack.

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Amid the storm, Diljit Dosanjh has continued promoting the film abroad. On Tuesday, he shared a humorous video of himself enjoying food in London, captioned: “SARDAAR JI 3 Advance Bookings Open Now Only on Overseas. Releasing 27th JUNE 2025.”

As the controversy unfolds, the makers remain firm in their stance that the casting occurred under very different circumstances, stating once again: “No Pakistani artist was engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.”