Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming Punjabi comedy Sardaar Ji 3 has sparked a major controversy just days before its international release. The film, directed by Amar Hundal and featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the lead role, has triggered backlash from a section of Indian audiences who are critical of cross-border collaborations amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions.
The trailer of the film, which stars Diljit alongside Neeru Bajwa and Hania Aamir, confirmed Hania’s prominent role despite earlier rumours that she was dropped after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 Indian lives. The film also features Pakistani actors Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela, further intensifying the controversy.
Fans expressed their outrage across Reddit and social media platforms. Several users criticized Diljit for remaining silent during previous geopolitical conflicts and now working with Pakistani talent. Comments ranged from calling him a “shameless person” to accusing him of having separatist sympathies. One user wrote, “Never spoke a word during the war… now we know why.”
Some netizens even questioned Diljit’s loyalty, saying they no longer see him as supportive of Indian values. Others speculated that his continued collaboration with Pakistani artists, especially in a film genre expected to have mass appeal, reflects insensitivity towards recent national tragedies.
In response to the rising anger, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a warning last week, cautioning Diljit that he may face sanctions within the Indian film industry for collaborating with Pakistani actors. No official statement has been made by Diljit yet.
The broader context includes longstanding industry restrictions that date back to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. Since then, Pakistani actors have been unofficially banned from working in Indian films. Platforms like Instagram have even restricted access to Pakistani celebrities’ profiles within India during periods of tension.
Adding fuel to the fire, Sardaar Ji 3 will not release in India and is scheduled for an overseas-only premiere on June 27. This move, seen by some as an attempt to bypass domestic scrutiny, further angered audiences who believe the makers are avoiding accountability while profiting from international markets.
The timing of the release amid Operation Sindoor, India’s military retaliation following the Pahalgam attack, and recent nationalist sentiment has turned what might have been a light-hearted horror-comedy into a lightning rod for political and cultural outrage. Whether the film succeeds internationally remains to be seen, but its impact on Diljit’s domestic image is already being felt.
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