Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 Sparks Buzz and Backlash Over Hania Aamir’s Casting
Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 drops its trailer ahead of a June 27 overseas release, sparking controversy over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Here's how the film blends entertainment, backlash, and bold choices.
ENTERTAINMENT


Diljit Dosanjh, one of Punjabi cinema’s most beloved stars, has once again captured attention-this time, not just for his talent, but for controversy. The trailer for his latest film Sardaar Ji 3 dropped ahead of its June 27 release, showcasing the quirky ghost-hunting charm the franchise is known for. But what really has people talking is the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the lead role. While fans abroad are cheering for the film’s energy and comedy, the reaction back home in India has been mixed, even heated. The political tension between India and Pakistan especially after the recent Pahalgam terror attack has made many question whether a collaboration with a Pakistani actor is appropriate right now.
The backlash came swiftly. Social media exploded with criticism, hashtags trended, and even film bodies like FWICE called for a ban. Some fans felt betrayed, others demanded Diljit be removed from upcoming Indian films. Amid the noise, there were also emotional voices-singer B Praak’s cryptic post about staying true to one’s roots hit hard for many. But Diljit didn’t shy away. He responded calmly, explaining that the film had wrapped long before the current tensions and that the overseas-only release was not a political statement, but a practical decision. After investing time, effort, and emotion into the film, pulling it entirely wasn’t an option. He praised Hania’s professionalism and tried to shift the focus back to the film’s storytelling and heart.
At its core, Sardaar Ji 3 is still a film meant to entertain, to make people laugh, and maybe to remind us of our shared human experiences beyond borders. With familiar faces like Neeru Bajwa and Gulshan Grover returning, the film promises to deliver the fun, fantasy, and flair fans expect. For Diljit, this isn’t just a movie-it’s a creative journey he believes in. It’s clear the backlash has affected him, but so has the outpouring of support from fans around the world. Whether or not the film finds peace on Indian screens, it has already succeeded in starting conversations about art, identity, and the invisible lines that sometimes divide us. And maybe, through all the noise, that’s the part that matters most.