- Monday, June 23, 2025
FWICE and AICWA announce a boycott of Diljit Dosanjh after his film Sardaar Ji 3 features Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, skipping Indian release amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions. CBFC urged to stall certification.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh has found himself at the center of a major controversy after the trailer for his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3 revealed Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in a lead role.
The film, which also stars Neeru Bajwa, is a horror-comedy and marks the third installment in the popular Sardaar Ji franchise. The casting decision has provoked a fierce response from prominent Indian film industry associations, especially in the wake of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor earlier this year.
Industry Bodies Respond: Ban and Boycott Calls
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have both declared a complete boycott of Diljit Dosanjh and the other producers of Sardaar Ji 3. FWICE President BN Tiwari, in a statement to NDTV, announced that the organization would issue a directive of “non-cooperation” against Dosanjh.
“If the film releases anywhere, we will issue a directive of non-cooperation. We will ensure that Diljit Dosanjh won’t get work (films or concerts) in any part of India,” Tiwari stated. He further added, “If he doesn’t withdraw the release of the film, he won’t get work in India.”
AICWA echoed this stance in a post on X (formerly Twitter), urging all Indian producers, production houses, music companies, event organizers, and film workers to unite in boycotting Dosanjh.
Their statement read, “We hereby announce a complete boycott of singer and producer Diljit Dosanjh from the Indian film industry. We urge all Indian producers, production houses, music companies, event organizers, and film workers to stand united and not associate with Diljit Dosanjh in any professional capacity.”
Action Against the Film: Letter to CBFC
FWICE has also taken formal steps to prevent Sardaar Ji 3 from being released in India by writing a letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The letter requests the board to withhold the film’s censor certificate due to the inclusion of a Pakistani actress in the cast. The move is intended to ensure that the film does not receive clearance for an Indian theatrical release.
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 23rd June 2025
Issued by: All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA)AICWA Condemns Inclusion of Pakistani Actress Hania Aamir in Sardar Ji 3
Calls for Boycott of Singer & Producer Diljit Dosanjh
All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) strongly… pic.twitter.com/W2rOhE2jMO
— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) June 23, 2025
Film Skips Indian Release, Trailer Geo-Blocked
In response to the controversy and anticipated backlash, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have decided to skip the film’s India release altogether. The trailer, which was shared by Diljit Dosanjh on his official Instagram account, announced an “overseas only” release for June 27.
The YouTube link for the trailer has been geo-blocked in India, making it inaccessible to viewers in the country. Notably, Hania Aamir was not featured in the film’s teaser, but appears prominently in the trailer, suggesting that her involvement was kept under wraps until the last moment.
Industry Precedents and Reactions
This is not the first time Indian film bodies have taken such action. Previously, FWICE had banned the release of Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal, which would have marked the actor’s return to Indian cinema after nine years. The current situation has reignited debates around the participation of Pakistani artists in Indian films, especially during periods of heightened political tension.
Ashok Pandit, a prominent film industry voice, criticized Dosanjh’s decision in an interview with NDTV, calling it “sheer arrogance.” He emphasized the responsibility that comes with stardom, especially when one has a large following and influence in the country.
The decision to cast Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3 has led to a sweeping industry backlash against Diljit Dosanjh, with major film bodies announcing a ban on his participation in Indian films and concerts.
The film’s Indian release has been shelved, and efforts are underway to prevent it from receiving certification. The controversy underscores the ongoing complexities of cross-border collaborations in the Indian entertainment industry, particularly during times of political strife.
