Despite ongoing tensions between the two nations, Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming Punjabi film 'Sardaar Ji 3' is set to release in Pakistan on June 27. What shocks the fans across India is the presence of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and and several other Pakistani actors, including Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela. This decision, coming in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in April that killed 26 civilians, has triggered a wave of online outrage, with Indian fans calling the move “shameful” and “disrespectful.”
Screenshots of theatre listings from Pakistani cities like Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Sialkot have gone viral on social media, confirming the full-fledged theatrical run of 'Sardaar Ji 3' across the border. But, when Indian viewers tried to access the trailer on YouTube they met with the message that 'This video is not available in your country'.
Industry Bodies and Fans Unite in Protest
The tension further escalated as Diljit's continued promoting the film, even as Indian institutions like the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) reiterated their stand of not collaborating with Pakistani artists. The bodies have cited that the casting of Hania Aamir is a violation of the Indian film industry's post-Pulwama consensus to boycott Pakistani talent.
Producers Cite Timeline; Fans Not Convinced
The producers released a statement claiming that the film had been completed before the Pahalgam tragedy and that the casting of Hania Aamir occurred before hostilities escalated. “We had decided not to release the film or any of its promotional content in India until the situation becomes opportune,” the statement read, describing the decision as one made out of “solidarity” with the country. However, fans aren’t convinced. ''Shame on you, Diljit,'' wrote one user. ''Boycott Sardaar Ji 3,'' another said. A third user added, ''Country first. You lost a fan today.'' And similar comments on Instagram are in plenty, showing how disappointed the fans are.
The incident has once again ignited the debate that what should be the accountability of celebrity during times of national distress. Veteran actor Suniel Shetty expressed his strong opposition to allowing Pakistani artists to work in India. He said, ''Art and cricket can’t happen with people who kill our innocents.'' Similarly, Harshvardhan Rane left 'Sanam Teri Kasam 2' after Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane was rumoured to join the cast. She was eventually dropped, bowing to public sentiment.
Mika Singh Calls for Apology
Singer Mika Singh though initially lashed out at Diljit by calling him a ''fake singer'', but later softened his tone by sharing a message: ''Guys, I understand we all make mistakes in life… If Diljit made a mistake, we are all willing to forgive. But he must apologize and remove all the objectionable scenes from the movie. That's it. No hate. Just respect. Desh pehle (Nation first).''
Guru Randhawa's Criticizes Too
Singer Guru Randhawa also appeared to take indirect jabs at Diljit through a series of social media posts. While not naming him directly, Randhawa wrote, “Even if now your citizenship is not Indian but you were born here, please remember this. This country made great artists and we all are proud of it.” In another post, he criticized celebrity PR tactics: ''When the PR team is more talented than the talent itself, controversies become part of the daily routine.''
Diljit Breaks Silence: ‘Film Was Made Before Tensions’
In response to the growing anger, Diljit finally broke his silence during an interview with BBC Asian Network. ''Jab yeh film bani thi, tab sab theek tha… Producers ka paisa laga hua hai… Film bann chuki thi before tensions started,'' he said, defending the producers' decision to go ahead with the overseas release.
In a separate interview, he addressed criticism about focusing only on Punjab rather than India. Diljit expressed deep emotional attachment to his roots: ''I’m just doing my job. Whatever is happening is not in my control. I am Punjabi, what can I say? Everyone's working for themselves. I'm a very selfish guy.'' He added, ''Punjab is such a wonderful place. It has been through so much, and yet it produces so many talented people. Perhaps Punjab is blessed, but perhaps it is also cursed.''
He proudly recounted his appearances on international stages—from becoming the first Punjabi artist to perform at Coachella and 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon' to walking the red carpet at the Met Gala 2025, wearing a cape adorned with the map of Punjab and Gurmukhi script. ''Me going there isn't a big deal. But Punjab going there, and a turban being represented there, that's huge,'' he said. He also claimed that Cartier denied him access to the original Maharaja of Patiala’s necklace, prompting him to wear a replica at the Met Gala, calling out the brand for “stealing” it from India.
FWICE Extends Boycott to Future Projects
Meanwhile, FWICE has escalated the matter further by targeting Diljit's casting in future projects. In letters addressed to T-Series Chairman Bhushan Kumar, director Imtiaz Ali, and actor-producer Sunny Deol, the federation expressed ''deep disappointment'' over casting Diljit in Border 2 and Imtiaz's next film. The letters stated that such collaborations ''directly undermine the stand taken by the Indian film industry in solidarity with the nation.''
FWICE reminded stakeholders of its 2019 directive banning collaboration with Pakistani artists, especially in light of the recent Operation Sindoor air strikes on terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The letter to Sunny Deol invoked his legacy of patriotic roles, urging him to stay aligned with national sentiment. The federation has made it clear that its boycott of Diljit remains active and warned that anyone working with him would be going against national unity.
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As 'Sardaar Ji 3' readies for release overseas, the criticism in India shows no signs of abating. The questions raised extend beyond a single movie—touching on the intersection of art, politics, patriotism, and the responsibilities of public figures during sensitive times. Now, it is to be seen whether Diljit Dosanjh can withstand the the backlash or will this entire episode further alienate him.
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