Diljit Dosanjh Sparks Outrage with Sardaar Ji 3 Trailer Featuring Pakistani Star
Punjabi actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh is facing significant backlash following the release of the trailer for his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, which stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a lead role. The trailer, unveiled on Sunday, June 22, has ignited controversy online, with many netizens labeling Dosanjh as “insensitive” and “shameless” for collaborating with Aamir amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
The uproar stems from the timing of the trailer’s release, which comes after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 Indian tourists’ lives. In response to the attack, the Indian government banned Pakistani celebrities from working in the country and blocked their social media accounts in India. Although Sardaar Ji 3 was filmed prior to the attack, the decision to promote the film now has drawn sharp criticism.
On social media platform X, one user remarked, “Diljit Dosanjh’s depravity to release a movie with Pakistani Hania Amir who called Operation Sindoor and India cowardly is purely sinister and sadistic.” The reference points to Aamir’s alleged comments criticizing India’s military operation on May 7, further fueling public discontent.
The Sardaar Ji 3 trailer, shared by Dosanjh on Instagram with the caption, “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only 🌍 FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN,” highlights the film’s decision to skip an Indian theatrical release. Industry sources suggest this move was made to avoid regulatory hurdles and public backlash. The film, directed by Amar Hundal, is a horror-comedy set in a haunted UK mansion, featuring Dosanjh and Aamir as ghost hunters alongside actors like Neeru Bajwa, Manav Vij, and Gulshan Grover.
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The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has also weighed in, urging the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to withhold certification for the film due to the inclusion of Pakistani actors, including Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela. This stance aligns with a broader directive from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting prohibiting Pakistani-origin content in Indian productions.
Despite the controversy, some fans remain excited about the film’s overseas release on June 27. However, the trailer’s geo-blocking on YouTube in India, with a message stating, “The uploader has not made this video available in your country,” has further underscored the sensitivities surrounding the project. While the film’s teaser and songs remain accessible to Indian audiences, the trailer’s restriction reflects the makers’ cautious approach.
The Sardaar Ji franchise, which began in 2015, has been a beloved part of Punjabi cinema, with its blend of humor and fantasy. However, this third installment’s casting choices have placed Dosanjh at the center of a cultural and political storm, raising questions about cross-border collaborations in a time of strained bilateral relations.
