At a time when the whole nation stands united against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Punjabi actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh has gone ahead and released the trailer of his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The trailer’s release has ignited sharp criticism, coming barely two months after the Pahalgam terror attack, in which Pakistan-sponsored terrorists brutally killed innocent pilgrims in the name of religion.
India’s response to the attack came swiftly and strongly through Operation Sindoor, targeting and destroying terror camps across the border. But amid this charged atmosphere, Diljit’s decision to go ahead with a film featuring a Pakistani actress who has not even condemned the killings is being seen as a shameless and insensitive act.
This shows money is more important for filmmakers and Diljit rather than the nation and emotions. They should not forget that what they are is just because of Indians only.
Even more concerning is the manner in which Diljit’s team attempted to manipulate public perception. In the version of the trailer released in India, Hania Aamir is completely missing. Only Neeru Bajwa and Jasmin Bajwa are shown. However, Diljit himself posted the original trailer featuring Hania Aamir on his official Instagram account through @teamdiljitglobal, sparking outrage.
This has led many to question: If you’re hiding her from Indian audiences, why promote her to your global fans? The move is being widely interpreted as a deliberate attempt to play with Indian emotions, removing Hania’s face in India while simultaneously celebrating her presence abroad.
Sharing the trailer on his official Instagram page, Diljit wrote, “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only/ FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.” The film will not release in the country due to the film industry’s ban on Pakistani actors after the ghastly Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.
It is also noteworthy that Hania Aamir, like thousands of Pakistani actors, cricketers, politicians, and influencers, is banned in India, and their social media pages are restricted due to national security concerns. Despite this, Diljit amplified her presence through his personal channels, bypassing India’s stand on such issues.
Meanwhile, a few Pakistani actors were kicked out of Indian (Punjabi) films after the Pahalgam attack. One example is Chal Mera Putt 4, where several Pakistani artists were allegedly removed following growing tensions. Among them was Iftikhar Thakur, who later posted hate-filled videos against India, revealing his true colours.
Another film, Abir Gulal which was about to release, starring Fawad Khan, was also banned post the Pahalgam attack, even though it was shot long ago, as a clear message that India’s cultural spaces are not open to those who stay silent on terrorism.
The Punjabi film is slated to release in theatres on June 27 across the globe. However, it got embroiled in a controversy over its casting. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) raised objections, requesting the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny certification to the film. The objection was over the film’s casting of Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela.
In a letter to the CBFC, Prasoon Joshi, FWICE chief, said, “In light of recent directives issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B Ministry), prohibiting Pakistani-origin content and collaboration with Pakistani artistes in Indian productions, and the parallel stance adopted by FWICE, we urge CBFC to align with these directives and national interest considerations before proceeding with certification. We appreciate CBFC’s impartial and rigorous certification process and trust that you will give due consideration to this request (sic).”
Furthermore, last week, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) sharply condemned Diljit’s choice, warning he might face industry sanctions for collaborating with Pakistani artists.
After the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, the film bodies, in accordance with the government’s directive, announced the prohibition of collaboration with Pakistani actors and technicians. The Pahalgam attack triggered tensions between India and Pakistan.
Slamming Diljit, a social media user Krishna Tiwari wrote, “Shame on Diljit Dosanjh collaborating with Hania Aamir so soon after Operation Sindoor! Pakistani actors sided with their military without a second thought, yet our stars ignore our army’s sacrifices. Where’s the patriotism? #NationFirst #OperationSindoor”.
Shame on Diljit Dosanjh collaborating with Hania Amir so soon after Operation Sindoor! Pakistani actors sided with their military without a second thought, yet our stars ignore our army's sacrifices. Where's the patriotism? #NationFirst #OperationSindoor
— Tiwari Ji (@WohKrishnaHai) June 23, 2025
Reacting to the backlash over Hania’s casting, Sardaar Ji 3 producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu said, “The film was shot before the conflict with Pakistan. Keeping Indian sentiments in mind, there will be no India release for the movie.”
The trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 is unavailable on YouTube India. “The uploader has not made this video available in your country,” reads the message.
When India is still mourning the loss of lives in Pahalgam, and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism continues to claim innocent lives, any association with Pakistani artists is betrayal towards nation. Diljit Dosanjh’s actions, releasing a filtered trailer for Indians, while promoting the original with Hania Aamir abroad, and using his platform to bypass national sentiment and policy are now being seen as more than just insensitive.
Art cannot be an excuse to undermine national emotions. At a time when even trade, cricket, Indus Water Treaty, and cinema have been broken, releasing a film with those who openly support terrorism is nothing short of betrayal.
