Diljit Dosanjh Showcases Overwhelming Love for Sardaar Ji 3 from Pakistani Audiences
Punjabi music and film icon Diljit Dosanjh has responded to backlash in India by showcasing the massive support Sardaar Ji 3 has received across the border. Taking to Instagram, the actor-singer shared viral video clips from a Pakistani cinema where the film is playing to packed houses. Screens showed audiences cheering and enjoying the film on ultra-large formats.
A message on the video read: “12 shows on ultra screens, the largest in the country. Overwhelming response from the audience for Sardaar Ji 3. Come and watch!” The post underlines the film’s commercial success abroad and Diljit’s growing popularity in international Punjabi-speaking markets.
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Hania Aamir’s Casting Sparks Controversy in India After Pahalgam Attack and Operation Sindoor
The casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir as the female lead has become a flashpoint in Indian media and politics. After the release of the film’s trailer, numerous film bodies and right-wing political activists criticized the filmmakers for hiring talent from Pakistan in light of April’s Pahalgam terror attack. Operation Sindoor, launched in its aftermath, heightened national tensions and spurred a renewed cultural boycott.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) condemned the team of Sardaar Ji 3, calling it “deeply insensitive” to national sentiments. Social media erupted with hashtags calling for the film’s boycott. Despite this, Diljit and the producers stood by their decision, noting the project had been completed months before the incident.
Diljit Dosanjh Clarifies Timeline: Film Was Shot Months Before Any Political Tensions Escalated
In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit clarified the timeline to refute the narrative that Sardaar Ji 3 was made in defiance of current geopolitical realities. He confirmed the entire production was wrapped up in February—long before the Pahalgam attack took place in April.
“When the film was made, everything was fine,” he stated. He emphasized the movie was meant purely for entertainment and should not be interpreted through a political lens. According to Diljit, any outrage lacks context if the timeline isn’t considered.
Criticism from Indian Celebrities and Political Groups Intensifies Amid Ongoing Public Sentiment
Prominent voices in India have criticized Sardaar Ji 3 and its team. Singer Mika Singh openly stated that filmmakers should not work with Pakistani artists during such tense periods. Another Punjabi music figure, B Praak, indirectly targeted Diljit with a cryptic social media post: “Many artists have sold their conscience.” Although he didn’t name anyone, fans widely assumed the message was aimed at Diljit.
Additionally, political groups organized protests across cities. In Karnal, Haryana, activists burned Diljit’s effigy and accused him of disrespecting Indian soldiers. Calls even emerged to remove him from upcoming films such as Border 2 and Imtiaz Ali’s untitled project.
Support Pours in for Diljit Dosanjh from BJP Leaders and Prominent Public Intellectuals
Despite the growing criticism, several high-profile figures and leaders came forward in Diljit’s support. BJP spokesperson RP Singh called the backlash “disproportionate” and described Diljit as “a national asset and global ambassador of Indian culture.” Former DSGMC president Manjit Singh G K also defended the artist’s intentions.
Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar urged critics to focus on the actual issue. “If the film was made before the attack, why this outrage now?” he questioned. These comments have helped balance public opinion, especially among fans and artists in the Punjabi entertainment community.
Sardaar Ji 3 Skips Indian Release to Avoid Escalating Tensions and Faces Significant Box Office Risk
Given the heated atmosphere, the producers decided not to release Sardaar Ji 3 in India. Speaking to the press, producer Gunbir Sidhu said the decision came after evaluating public sentiment and commercial risk. “Pulling the Indian release was a loss, but keeping peace was more important,” he said.
Diljit added that the producers faced a tough choice: either release the film abroad or lose the entire investment. Choosing the former, they banked on the Punjabi diaspora in Canada, the UK, the US, and Pakistan—who have turned out in large numbers to support the film.
Box Office Numbers Reveal Sardaar Ji 3 Is a Major Hit in Overseas Markets Despite Domestic Setbacks
Despite skipping an Indian release, Sardaar Ji 3 has proven to be a global success. The film raked in ₹11.03 crore in just two days. Its first-day collection was ₹4.32 crore, followed by ₹6.71 crore on the second day—primarily from overseas markets including Pakistan, North America, and the UK.
In Pakistan alone, the film collected a record-breaking PKR 3.5 crore on day one. This is the highest ever for a Punjabi-language film in the country. The audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, especially in cities with large Punjabi-speaking populations.
Sardaar Ji 3 Sparks Broader Debate Over Cultural Collaboration Between Indian and Pakistani Artists
At the heart of the Sardaar Ji 3 controversy lies a broader discussion on cross-border artistic collaborations. Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha asked an important question: “If Pakistani actors can’t work in India, should Indian artists be allowed to work there?” This sparked debate around double standards and the politicization of entertainment.
The controversy has reignited long-standing debates around art, nationalism, and freedom of expression. While critics focus on timing and perceived insensitivity, supporters argue that art must rise above borders. Diljit Dosanjh, by standing his ground, has become a central figure in this cultural dialogue.
