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

The trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 has not only dropped cinematic chills but also ignited a heated digital war; with Hania Aamir making a prominent appearance opposite Diljit Dosanjh, Pakistanis are celebrating her epic role—while Dosanjh faces intense backlash from Indian quarters.

Pakistani Celebrities Rally Behind Hania Aamir

When the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 hit social media, it cleared all doubts: Hania Aamir is not a fleeting guest star—she’s right at the forefront, ghostbusting with Diljit in a haunted UK castle. This wasn’t just a film moment; it was a cultural milestone.

After months of speculation that Hania might be dropped or recast due to the India-Pakistan conflict—and following India’s ongoing ban on Pakistani artists—the trailer served as a sigh of relief and a powerful statement. The Pakistani entertainment fraternity rallied behind Hania with pride and emotion.

Actress Zara Noor Abbas called the moment a step toward international success, writing, “So proud of you… Next stop: Hollywood, InshaAllah.”

Yasir Hussain underlined the historical significance of Hania’s casting, noting that while many Pakistanis have worked in India before, none in recent times had managed such a central role amid such high tensions.

Anoushey Ashraf echoed the sentiment: “While others settled for side roles or background energy, Hania is making main-character moves across borders.”

Other celebrities like Zoya Nasir, Yashma Gill, Maria Unera, Asad Siddiqui, and Hira Khan also flooded social media with pride. Siddiqui’s words summed up the national mood: “What a beautiful sight to watch.”

Even influencers like Adnan Zafar (Ken Doll) jumped in to debunk false media claims that Aamir had been removed from the film. He called out the baseless speculation and congratulated her on the film’s release, saying he couldn’t wait to see her shine on-screen.

Diljit Dosanjh Under Fire in India Over Pakistani Collaboration

But while Pakistanis celebrate, back in India, Diljit Dosanjh is facing the music—and it’s anything but sweet.

After sharing the trailer on Instagram and confirming the film’s “overseas-only” release on June 27, backlash came fast and furious from the Indian side. His decision to stand by the original cast and proceed without an Indian release was viewed by many as defiance—and some weren’t pleased.

BN Tiwari, president of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, led the charge by threatening to oust Dosanjh from Bollywood. His main grievance? Featuring a Pakistani actor in a major film, even as India maintains an unofficial cultural blockade against Pakistan.

Online, the tone was scathing. Internet users accused Dosanjh of being “shameless,” “disloyal,” and “two-faced.” One angry netizen wrote, “He never spoke during the war—now we know why. I used to like him, but that’s changing fast.” Others resurrected old allegations, branding him a separatist sympathizer, especially in light of his silence during Operation Sindoor.

The tension is thick, but instead of bowing to pressure, the filmmakers stood firm. Despite growing political and media heat, no edits were made, no actors were dropped, and the release remained on track—albeit internationally.

Read more: Hania Aamir Joins Diljit in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ — Film to Release Overseas Due to India-Pak Row

The curtain has finally lifted—Main Manto Nahi Hoon, ARY Digital’s long-anticipated drama, dropped its official teaser, igniting a whirlwind of opinions across social media. Starring big names like Humayun Saeed, Sajal Aly, and Sanam Saeed, and backed by the powerful duo of writer Khalilur Rehman Qamar and director Nadeem Baig, the teaser promised intensity, grandeur, and a stellar cast. But if early reactions are anything to go by, viewers are both intrigued and divided.

A Glimpse of Glamour, Guns, and Grandeur
Though the teaser keeps the plot close to its chest, flashes of drama and emotion are enough to stir curiosity. We see glimpses of a wedding scene with Sajal as the bride, a gun-wielding Nameer Khan, and Asif Raza Mir possibly playing a protective father. The tone feels cinematic, the lighting rich, and the background score dramatic. All signs point to a high-stakes story, but some viewers are still scratching their heads over what exactly the narrative arc might be.

What’s undeniably clear is the age difference between the lead pair. While Humayun Saeed brings his seasoned presence, some fans aren’t sold on the romantic pairing with Sajal Aly. “Forced chemistry” and “uncle vibes” were phrases tossed around, with critics questioning not the actors’ individual talent—but their believability as an on-screen couple.

Audience Buzz
As expected from anything penned by Khalilur Rehman Qamar, known for stirring both emotion and controversy (Meray Paas Tum Ho, anyone?), Main Manto Nahi Hoon is already polarizing audiences. While one camp praised the teaser’s dramatic tone and cinematic flair, another felt underwhelmed by Saeed’s styling and the lack of apparent chemistry between the leads.

Still, others are all-in! The supporting cast, which includes industry veterans like Salman Shahid and Saba Faisal alongside fresh faces like Azaan Sami Khan and Hajra Yamin, has fans hopeful. There’s talk of a “larger-than-life” setup and a “commanding screen presence” that hints at a drama aiming to shake up primetime.

Set to air next month, Main Manto Nahi Hoon may not have pleased everyone out the gate—but it’s certainly made sure everyone’s watching.

View the trailer here:

Read more: Sarmad Khoosat Delves into Dark Comedy, Discusses Manto Lasting Influence on Upcoming Project