The Sardaar Ji 3 Trailer Sparks National Backlash and Fuels the Diljit Dosanjh Controversy
On June 22, 2025, the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 was released to much excitement—until it was revealed that Pakistani actress Hania Aamir was cast opposite Diljit Dosanjh. The casting decision immediately reignited debates regarding cross-border collaborations in Indian entertainment.
This decision, made even more sensitive due to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, led to widespread outrage. Public sentiment turned sharply against the film and Diljit himself, creating a growing Diljit Dosanjh controversy that has since dominated media conversations.
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Federation and Cine Bodies Demand a Ban on Diljit and the Film’s Makers Amid Mounting National Sentiment
Soon after the trailer’s release, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) strongly condemned the film. The bodies issued official letters calling for Sardaar Ji 3 to be blacklisted and demanded that Diljit Dosanjh’s passport and Indian citizenship be revoked.
They also requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take strict action against the actor and the film’s producers, further intensifying the Diljit Dosanjh controversy and triggering protests in several parts of India.
Why Sardaar Ji 3 Will Not Release in India: Producers Cite Timing and Public Safety
In response to the public backlash, the producers of Sardaar Ji 3 announced that the film will not be released in Indian cinemas. Instead, it will debut exclusively overseas in markets like Canada, the UK, Australia, and Pakistan.
White Hill Studios stated the film was completed in February 2025—well before the April terror attacks—and insisted the casting was done without any political motive. “We respect the emotions of our fellow Indians,” they said, citing safety and social sensitivity as reasons for avoiding an Indian release.
Imtiaz Ali Breaks His Silence and Strongly Backs Diljit Dosanjh’s Patriotism and Integrity
Renowned director Imtiaz Ali, who recently collaborated with Diljit Dosanjh in Amar Singh Chamkila, defended the actor’s patriotism during an interview with NDTV.
He declared that Diljit is “a son of the soil” and a “true patriot at heart.” Imtiaz emphasized that Diljit routinely waves the Indian flag at his global concerts and often ends shows proclaiming, “Main hoon Punjab,” a tribute to both his state and country.
Ali added that casting decisions in a film often lie with the producers and directors—not the lead actor—suggesting the backlash against Diljit was misdirected and emotionally charged.
Prominent Industry Voices Speak Out, Urging Public to Consider the Context Behind the Film
Imtiaz Ali wasn’t the only one to speak in Diljit’s favor. Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar also weighed in on the matter. He reminded critics that Sardaar Ji 3 was funded entirely with Indian money, with no Pakistani producers involved.
He appealed to both the censor board and Indian audiences to understand that the film was created before the current geopolitical tensions. Akhtar cautioned against punishing artists for timing and urged compassion and context in public reactions.
Public Reaction Heats Up as Celebrities Distance Themselves and Protests Erupt Across India
The Diljit Dosanjh controversy has polarized both the public and industry peers. Punjabi actress Neeru Bajwa, who has previously worked with Diljit, unfollowed both him and Hania Aamir on Instagram. Fans quickly noticed the digital diss, fueling speculation about industry disapproval.
Singer Mika Singh also made a veiled dig at Diljit, labeling him a “fake singer” in a social media post. Another singer, B Praak, posted a cryptic message about artists who “sell their conscience,” further stoking the drama around the release.
In Karnal, Haryana, protestors even burned Diljit’s effigy in public, shouting slogans and demanding a total ban on the actor’s films in India.
Overseas Box Office Opens Strong: Sardaar Ji 3 Sets Records Despite the Indian Boycott
Despite the controversy, Sardaar Ji 3 released globally on June 27, 2025, and saw a robust response in international markets. In Pakistan alone, it reportedly earned PKR 3.35 crore on day one, making it the highest opening for an Indian Punjabi film there.
The film also received warm welcomes in Canada and the UK, where the Punjabi diaspora remains loyal to Diljit. Box-office experts predict that despite not releasing in India, the film could still become one of the year’s highest-grossing Punjabi films due to its strong overseas reception.
What This Controversy Means for Diljit Dosanjh’s Career and Cross-Border Collaborations in Indian Cinema
The Diljit Dosanjh controversy has brought serious questions to the forefront: Can artists collaborate across borders without facing political backlash? Should films be judged by their content or their casting choices?
While Diljit has remained composed, focusing on his global fanbase, his future projects in India may face increased scrutiny. However, with backing from filmmakers like Imtiaz Ali, his reputation remains intact among supporters who believe patriotism isn’t measured by censorship.
