CHANDIGARH, June 29: Sardaar Ji 3, the latest Punjabi film starring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, has come under sharp criticism in India following its decision to cast a Pakistani artist amid heightened sensitivities after the Pahalgam terror attack.
The controversy has escalated in recent days, with prominent film bodies now demanding Diljit’s removal from ‘Border 2’, produced by Sunny Deol, and seeking his replacement in Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming project. The uproar stems from a broader post-attack consensus within the industry discouraging collaboration with Pakistani talent.
Despite the ban on its release in India, Sardaar Ji 3 has had a robust reception in Pakistan, where it opened to packed houses. On Sunday, Diljit took to Instagram Stories to amplify audience reactions from a Pakistani cinema, re-sharing a clip that showed crowd enthusiasm and included scenes featuring Hania Aamir.
The clip he posted bore a caption that read: “12 shows on ultra screens, the largest in the country. Overwhelming response from the audience for Sardaar Ji 3. Come and watch!”
Diljit also re-posted a box office update that said the film had collected ₹11.03 crore worldwide within two days of release — ₹4.32 crore on Day 1, followed by a spike to ₹6.71 crore on Day 2. The film’s earnings came largely from international markets, including Pakistan, where it has not been impacted by the ongoing boycott in India.
In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit defended the film’s timing and casting decisions. He clarified that Sardaar Ji 3 had been shot well before the April Pahalgam attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor, which triggered calls to restrict cross-border artistic collaborations.
He also backed the producers’ move to release the film internationally, especially in regions with significant Punjabi-speaking audiences. “The film was made before the unfortunate incidents. People are reacting without context,” he told the network.
The casting of Hania Aamir, a well-known face in Pakistani cinema, has drawn ire from several quarters, with critics accusing the filmmakers of ignoring national sentiment. The Film Workers’ Association and other groups have since written to Deol and Ali, calling Diljit’s continued presence in Indian patriotic or high-profile productions “untenable.”
While Sardaar Ji 3 may be facing stiff opposition in India, the strong opening overseas points to Diljit’s continued popularity beyond national boundaries. However, as political pressure mounts and Bollywood’s internal fault lines widen, the actor may find himself increasingly cornered by controversies that go beyond the screen.
