Post the India-Pakistan conflict, Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, is going for an overseas-only release. The decision to release the film, even if not in India, has left some fans with a sense of betrayal. The makers and Diljit have however maintained that the film was shot before Pahalgam, and they stand with the country as much as anyone else
BOMBAY TIMES (June 26, 2025)
Before releasing any content that involves artistes from across the border, they should think twice: Mika Singh
In a statement on Instagram, singer Mika Singh criticised Diljit and wrote, “Desh Pehle (Nation First): Guys, as we all know, the relationship between India and Pakistan isn’t going well right now. Yet some people continue to act irresponsibly. Before releasing any content that involves artists from across the border, they should think twice – especially when our nation’s dignity is involved.”
He added, “There was a film featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor that many of us opposed, and yet, some still don’t seem to get the message. What’s more shocking is that a fake singer, after doing ten shows in India with thousands of fans buying tickets, has now disappeared – leaving fans betrayed and helpless.”
‘Diljit carries the Indian flag proudly and now, that same man is being dragged down’
In a lengthy post on Instagram, CEO of Ripple Effect Studios Sonali Singh, who has been managing the artiste, wrote how “Diljit has chosen to respect the sentiments of the Indian public and authorities and is not releasing the film in India, standing in alignment with the nation’s current mood.”
Excerpts from her post: This recent wave of criticism surrounding his upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji, due to the presence of a Pakistani co-star, is both disheartening and unfair especially considering the timing and the nature of the project. The film was shot long before the current political climate intensified.
What hurts the most is this: On one hand, the global media celebrates him as the first Indian to perform at Coachella, to appear on Jimmy Fallon carrying his traditional identity, to walk the Met Gala carrying his culture & roots. And every single time, he proudly carries India with him.
But on the other hand, in his own country how quickly we forget. How conveniently we celebrate him when he puts India on the map, and how easily we trash him when the narrative turns. Does anyone think this doesn’t break his heart? Does anyone imagine how demoralizing it is to fight for visibility as a brown Indian artiste on the world stage and still have to fight for belonging in India? Diljit is the same man who: Was addressed by the honorable Prime Minister as “Bharat ke gaon ka beta”, a recognition of what he truly represents. Cancelled a major US show overnight when FWICE requested knowing it would cost him crores and invite a two-year legal battle in a foreign country. He handled it all silently and respectfully, without retaliation. The damage was personal and he bore it alone. Chose to stand by his producers not to protect himself, but to protect the families behind the film.
(Diljit) carries the Indian flag on his shoulders, proudly, as he leads the wave that’s transforming India’s live entertainment economy with authenticity, humility, and unmatched pride. Helped lift regional cinema especially Punjabi onto the global map. And now, that same man is being dragged down by a manufactured storm.
‘The film was shot before Pahalgam, no Pak artiste was signed after the attack. We stand united with our country’
Sardaar Ji 3’s team also issued a clarification in a post on Instagram, stating that the film was shot before the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. “Sardaar ji 3 was shot well before the prevailing situation that our country is facing now and it was never ever the case that any Pakistani artiste was signed or was engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. We stand united with our country and our fellow countrymen during this sensitive time. Considering the same, we had decided not to release the film or any of its promotional content in India until the situation becomes opportune,” they wrote.
Jab maine film sign ki thi tab sab theek tha
Addressing the film, which is set for an overseas-only release, Diljit said in a BBC Asian Network interview, “Jab yeh film bani thi tab toh situation sab theek tha. Humnein shoot kiya tha February mein. Toh producers ne decide kiya ki film obviously ab India toh nahi lagegi, toh isko overseas release karte hain . Unka (producers) bahut paisa laga hua hai aur jab yeh film bann rahi thi tab aisa kuch tha nahi. Unke dimag mein hai ki loss toh hoga hi kyuki ek territory aap minus kar rahe ho. Maine bhi jab film sign ki thi tab sab theek tha. Ab situation hamare haath mein hai nahi. Toh bahar release karna chahte hai toh main saath hoon.”
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Controversy brews over crossborder collab as film federations, celebs demand accountability
HINDUSTAN TIMES (June 26, 2025)
Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh is facing heat for casting Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3. With tensions high after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, and a renewed ban on Pakistani artistes, calls to boycott the film and Diljit are intensifying.
The makers have clarified that the film will not release in India, and Diljit, who also co-produced it, has now broken his silence. Speaking to BBC Asian Network, he said many decisions were out of his control and backed the producers’ call for an overseas release: “Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation sab theek tha. We shot this in February… Uske baad, bahut saari badi cheezein humare haath mein nahi hai. Producers ne decide kiya ki film obviously ab India mein toh nahin lagegi, toh overseas release karte hain. Producers ka bahut paisa laga hua hai aur jab yeh film bann rahi thi tab aisa kuch tha nahin. They know there will be a loss because you’re removing an entire territory. Even when I signed the film, everything was fine. Now the situation is not in our hands. So, if the producers want to release it abroad, I support them.”
Makers issue statement
The makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have released a statement that echoes Diljit’s remarks: “This is to bring to everyone’s kind notice that the film named Sardaar Ji 3 was shot well before the prevailing situation that our country is facing now, and it was never ever the case that any Pakistani artist was signed or was engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.”
The note further read, “We stand united with our country and our fellow countrymen during this sensitive time. Considering the same, we had decided not to release the film or any of its promotional content in India until the situation becomes opportune”.
FWICE seeks strict action
“When an entire country is against that nation, you cherry-pick a Pakistani actor. You are trying to be arrogant, trying to be careless about the emotions of this country. That is why FWICE has taken note of it. Diljit has not responded and condemned what this actress [Hania] has spoken about Operation Sindoor and our country,” says Ashoke Pandit, chief advisor of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).
Birendra Nath Tiwari, president of FWICE, disputes Diljit and the makers’ claim that the film will face major financial losses if it is not released. He emphasizes that the federation holds no personal grudge against Diljit but insists that the call for action is in the country’s best interest. He says, “Film ka foreign mein shoot hua hai, Pakistan ke 4-5 artiste hain, aur Diljit itne bade star hain, to paise to lagenge. Agar paise itne hai, to hum chanda ikatha kara sakte hai aur India se de denge. India mein bohot patriotic.”
Mika slams actor-singer
Singer Mika has called Diljit irresponsible for working with a Pakistani actor. On Insta Stories, the singer asserted that India’s interests should come first, given the strained Indo-Pak relations. He wrote, “Before releasing any content involving artists from across the border, they should think twice — especially when our nation’s dignity is at stake.”
He also referenced Abir Gulaal — starring actor Fawad Khan, which was denied a theatrical release in India amid controversy — saying it should have served as a lesson for Diljit before choosing to work with Hania.
Diljit’s former manager speaks up
Sonali Singh has defended him. Part of her Insta post read, “In a career spanning over two decades, Diljit Dosanjh has become a cultural icon not only for India but for the global stage. Yet, time and again, he has been placed under the scanner, especially as a proud Sikh, a Punjabi, and an artist who has chosen to represent India with quiet pride rather than loud declarations. Despite being repeatedly targeted, Diljit has never resorted to outrage. His consistent message in interviews, music, films, and public appearances has always been rooted in love, unity, and kindness.”
Inputs by Yashika Mathur