Diljit Dosanjh Backs ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ and Hania Aamir’s Casting

Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh is not backing down in the face of political backlash and public scrutiny. Amid mounting controversy over his latest film Sardaar Ji 3, the singer-actor has spoken out  about the decision to cast Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, defending both the film and his co-star with a sense of conviction and clarity.

Sardaar Ji 3: Casting That Brought Storm

Sardaar Ji 3, the much-anticipated sequel in Diljit’s popular film franchise, was initially set to release globally — including in India. But tempers flared when it was revealed that Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, known for her vibrant performances and growing international appeal, had been cast in a prominent role. This decision drew strong criticism from two major Indian film bodies — the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA). Their objection? The inclusion of a Pakistani talent during a time of heightened political tension.

As a result, the film’s release in India has been shelved. Speaking to BBC Asian Network, Diljit revealed that the decision was ultimately a business one, made by producers wary of the escalating backlash. “The producers decided that the film won’t be able to release in India, but it can release overseas,” he shared. “They’ve already put a lot of money into the film, and when it was made, none of this had happened. Now they’re looking at a loss.”

“Hania Aamir Is Very Professional”

Despite the fallout, Dosanjh praised Hania Aamir for her dedication and conduct on set. While their scenes together were limited, he made it clear that she brought a high level of professionalism to the project. “She was very professional,” he said, brushing off the controversy with calm dignity.

The collaboration first caught attention when Diljit invited Hania on stage during his London concert last year, drawing cheers and speculation. What began as a charming moment between two artists from across borders soon turned into a cinematic partnership — one that is now paying the price of political tension.

A Familiar Pattern of Artistic Suppression

This isn’t the first time art has become a casualty of strained India-Pakistan relations. From Fawad Khan’s shelved Abir Gulaal to the digital scrubbing of Mahira Khan and Mawra Hocane’s Bollywood appearances, history continues to repeat itself. Pakistani talent has frequently been welcomed into Indian cinema only to be pushed out when diplomacy takes a dark turn.

Dosanjh’s stance, however, is a quiet act of resistance — a reminder that artists should not be scapegoats for political agendas. While Sardaar Ji 3 may be missing from Indian screens, it is set to release overseas this week, offering global audiences a glimpse of what could’ve been a shared cultural success.

Read more: Sardaar Ji 3: Pakistan Cheers Hania Aamir, India Turns Up the Heat on Diljit Dosanjh