Maryam Aurangzeb, senior Punjab minister and former Information Minister, has expressed deep regret over the ban on Aamir Khan’s iconic film Dangal, calling it a decision that continues to weigh heavily on her conscience.

During an interview, Aurangzeb was asked about a decision she wished she hadn’t made during her time in office. Without hesitation, she replied, “Banning Dangal was something that should not have happened.”

Aurangzeb recalled that at the time, she was newly appointed and had not yet seen the film. Caught in the bureaucratic tide of an existing ban on Indian films and advised by the censor board, Dangal was swiftly lumped in with others — a casualty of a political climate.

“I hadn’t watched it, and there was already a blanket ban on Indian cinema. It was presented with a list of other films, and without deeper scrutiny, it was banned,” she explained.

It wasn’t until a year and a half later that she finally watched Dangal — and what she saw left her shaken. The film, based on the true story of Indian wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters Geeta and Babita, not only broke box office records but also shattered gender stereotypes in sports.

“Since then, I’ve carried this burden,” she said. “It moved me. It empowered me. It was not just a film — it was a message.”

Aurangzeb’s admission has sparked a broader conversation across social media. Many are praising her honesty, acknowledging that few politicians publicly admit mistakes — especially ones tied to politically charged decisions. Others are calling for a more nuanced and culturally open-minded approach to cinema bans moving forward.

Dangal, released in 2016, remains one of Bollywood’s most internationally acclaimed films. Maryam Aurangzeb’s regret is a quiet call for reconsidering how we approach art, culture, and the stories that deserve to be heard, regardless of which side of the border they come from.

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

Sardaar Ji 3, starring Punjabi sensation Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani heartthrob Hania Aamir, has officially been cleared by all three Pakistani censor boards and will be releasing in cinemas across Pakistan and overseas today.

Despite initial uncertainty and the backdrop of political tension, the film has quietly made its way through official channels and is set to hit screens in major cities, with shows starting as early as 11:45am in Lahore.

Produced by Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu, and Dosanjh himself, and backed by White Hill Studios and Story Time Productions, Sardaar Ji 3 found a path into Pakistan despite the official ban on Indian films that’s been in place since 2019. The technicality? White Hill Studios is registered in Vancouver, Canada, placing the film just outside Bollywood’s direct jurisdiction.

Confirming the clearance, Zain Wali of Wali Films — who also serves as one of the producers — told media outlets that Sindh, Punjab, and federal censor boards had all approved the film’s release; this comes as a relief to fans who have been waiting eagerly for news amidst growing speculation.

Hania Aamir herself shared the film’s poster via Instagram, tagging multiple Pakistani cinema chains and writing, “See you :)” — a simple but exciting confirmation that the film would indeed be showing in the country.

The poster listed screening venues including Cinepax, Nueplex (Karachi), Cue Cinemas (Lahore), and Centaurus Cineplex (Islamabad). As of now, Universal Cinemas Lahore and Centaurus Cineplex Islamabad have both confirmed shows, with Universal scheduling its first screening at 11:45 am.

That said, some confusion still lingers. While many cinemas have confirmed, Nueplex Cinemas Karachi stated they are still waiting for official directives and noted that the Indian film ban remains in place for them. However, more announcements are expected throughout the day.

What makes this release particularly remarkable is the political firestorm it has already weathered. The film’s Indian release was scrapped amid backlash over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, with Indian film associations condemning Dosanjh and the production house.

In response, Diljit Dosanjh defended the team’s decision to go forward with an international release, noting that the film was completed during a period of relative calm between the two nations. He also praised Hania, calling her “very professional”, and acknowledged the producers’ financial risks if the film were shelved entirely.

Despite the noise, Sardaar Ji 3 now stands as a rare example of cultural collaboration moving forward despite political barriers — and fans on both sides of the border are here for it.

With official screenings beginning today and anticipation at a high, Sardaar Ji 3 is not just a film — it’s a quiet cultural moment in the making.

Lights, camera, unity.

Read more: Diljit Dosanjh Backs Sardaar Ji 3 and Hania Aamir 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