Diljit Dosanjh has spoken about the decision to skip the India release of his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3 due to political tensions. The movie features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, leading to major backlash from Indian film bodies and fans.
The film was shot earlier this year when relations between India and Pakistan were stable. However, after the Pahalgam terror attack in April, tensions rose, and Pakistani artists were banned from working in India. This forced the makers to cancel the India release.
Diljit said, “When this film was made, everything was fine. We shot it in February and things were okay. After that, many big things happened that were beyond our control. The producers decided the film won’t release in India now, so they’ll release it overseas. They have invested a lot of money, and when the film was being made, nothing like this was happening.”
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) strongly criticized Diljit for working with Hania Aamir. They called it an “insult to Indian soldiers” and demanded a ban on his films. FWICE President BN Tiwari said, “By working with a Pakistani actor, Diljit has hurt Indian sentiments. He has disrespected the nation and insulted the sacrifices of our brave soldiers.”
FWICE also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking for strict action. They want Diljit’s passport canceled and a complete ban on his projects in India. They called Hania Aamir “anti-India,” claiming she has mocked Indian armed forces in the past.
Despite the backlash, Diljit praised Hania as a professional co-star. “Very good. She’s very professional. I respect her work and privacy. I’m a private person myself and give everyone their space,” he said.
The trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 was geo-blocked in India, meaning fans couldn’t watch it. This upset many people online. Some called it a “betrayal,” while others supported Diljit, saying the film was made before tensions escalated.
The film’s producer, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, clarified that they cast Hania before the conflict. “We are not releasing the film in India, keeping in mind the current situation and public sentiment,” he said. They hope to release it in India later when things calm down.
Sardaar Ji 3 is a horror-comedy starring Diljit as a ghost hunter. Hania plays his partner in the film, which is set in the UK. The movie releases overseas on June 27 but won’t be shown in Indian theaters.
This isn’t the first time a film with Pakistani actors faced issues. Earlier, Abir Gulaal, starring Fawad Khan, was also banned in India. The FWICE has strict rules against collaborations with Pakistani artists, especially after terror attacks.
Meanwhile, Diljit is also dealing with censor board issues for his other film, Punjab 95. The board asked for 127 cuts, including removing real names and historical facts. Diljit refused, saying the film is based on true events and shouldn’t be censored.
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Fans are divided over the controversy. Some believe artists should stay away from politics, while others think national sentiment comes first. The debate continues as Sardaar Ji 3 prepares for its overseas release.
