- Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Speaking to BBC Asian Network, Diljit clarified that Sardaar Ji 3 was shot in February when “everything was fine” between India and Pakistan, and producers opted for an overseas release due to the current situation.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
The much-anticipated trailer release of Sardaar Ji 3 has ignited a storm of controversy and online trolling, centering on the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir alongside Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh.
The film, which also features Neeru Bajwa, is set for an overseas release on Friday (27), but will not be screened in India due to ongoing industry restrictions on Pakistani artists. The situation has put Diljit Dosanjh in the spotlight, with fans and critics alike demanding answers about the film’s production choices and questioning his loyalty to India.
Hania Aamir’s Bollywood Debut and Rumor Mill
Speculation about Hania Aamir’s Bollywood debut began nearly a year ago, following her on-stage appearance with Diljit Dosanjh during one of his concerts.
The buzz intensified with reports that she would star in Sardaar Ji 3. However, after the Indian film industry imposed a ban on Pakistani artists in response to Operation Sindoor, rumors circulated that Hania had been dropped from the project.
Contrary to these reports, the recent trailer confirmed her prominent role, reigniting debate and drawing sharp criticism from some sections of the Indian audience.
Diljit Dosanjh Breaks His Silence
In the wake of the controversy, Diljit Dosanjh addressed the issue in an interview with BBC Asian Network. He clarified that Sardaar Ji 3 was filmed months before diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan escalated. “When this film was made, the situation was fine.
We shot in February, and everything was running smoothly back then,” Diljit explained. He emphasized that many factors, especially geopolitical ones, are beyond the control of artists and actors. “After that, a lot of things happened that were not in our hands.
The producers decided that since the film cannot be released in India, it should be released overseas. Obviously, a lot of money is invested, and when the film was being made, there was no such issue,” he added.
Diljit also expressed support for the producers, acknowledging the financial losses they face due to the restricted release. “They are already thinking about the loss, because one whole territory is now minus. When I signed the film, everything was fine. Now, the situation is not in our hands. If they want to release it overseas, I stand with them,” he said.
Social Media Backlash and Trolling
Despite Diljit’s explanation, the backlash on social media has been intense. On Reddit and other platforms, some users have called for drastic measures, such as revoking Diljit’s citizenship or banning him from future Indian projects.
Comments ranged from, “Can we actually cancel his citizenship?” to “He is a snake and we should stop asking a snake why he bit us.” Others accused him of prioritizing profits over national sentiment, saying, “He is rich enough to afford some loss by not releasing the film but he chose not to.”
The criticism extended to calls for his removal from upcoming projects, including Border 2, reflecting the depth of anger among certain sections of the public.
The phrase “Snake’s nature is to slither” became a recurring motif among detractors, underscoring the personal nature of the attacks.
Supportive Voices and Industry Perspective
Amid the negativity, some fans and industry observers have defended Diljit and the film’s producers. Supporters argued that shelving the film after completion would result in significant financial hardship for those involved. “Sorry what’s the issue here? Should they have shelved the film because of the war? The producers would have suffered huge losses,” one commenter noted.
Another pointed out, “If the shooting would have started after the attack then maybe they could have stopped, but this is too late. Are you going to pay the producers the amount they spent? If yes, producers will be glad to stop the release.”
These voices highlighted the complexities of film production, especially when unforeseen political developments intervene after a project is already underway.
Overseas Release and the Road Ahead
With the ban on Pakistani artists still in effect, Sardaar Ji 3 will not see a theatrical release in India. Instead, the film is set to premiere overseas, where it is expected to attract the Punjabi diaspora and international audiences.
The controversy has not only spotlighted the challenges faced by cross-border artistic collaborations but also raised questions about the intersection of politics, art, and commerce in the Indian film industry.
As the release date approaches, all eyes remain on Diljit Dosanjh and the team behind Sardaar Ji 3, whose decisions continue to fuel debate both within and beyond the entertainment world
