New Delhi: Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh has found himself at the centre of a political storm after confirming Pakistani actor Hania Aamir’s casting in his upcoming film 'Sardaar Ji 3'. The trailer, shared by Diljit on social media, sparked widespread backlash from Indian film federations and netizens, especially in the wake of heightened Indo-Pak tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor.
Though the film will not release in India and the trailer remains geo-blocked in the country, reactions from industry leaders have been strong and unforgiving. The casting is being called "anti-national" by many voices online and in the film fraternity.
Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), strongly criticised the casting of Hania Aamir.
In a quote to Hindustan Times, he said, “We had written a letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) earlier, and they refused to give it a certificate. I had seen Hania's tweets as well during the time of Operation Sindoor. We are going to take action and tell the producers to not work with him (Diljit). He should be fully boycotted in the country by music labels and Punjabi film industry. Diljit is a compulsive Pakistani lover.”
FWICE Issues Stern Warning
BN Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), also issued a warning, stating that not just Diljit, but the film’s producers too, could face a ban. “Diljit se lekar film ke producers ko - sab ko ban kar denge India mein, dobaara film nahi bana paayenge... Songs and everything will be boycotted,” he told Hindustan Times.
He further added, “Jo nation ke saath nahi, woh hamare saath nahin. Hum deshdrohiyon ke saath kaam nahi kar sakte.”
Ongoing Ban on Pakistani Artistes Resurfaces
The controversy revives ongoing tensions between the Indian entertainment industry and cross-border collaborations. Recently, Indian platforms also restricted Instagram access to Pakistani celebrities such as Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, and Ali Zafar. Actor Mawra Hocane’s image was digitally erased from the 'Sanam Teri Kasam' poster on music streaming apps.
Meanwhile, 'Sardaar Ji 3' is set to release overseas on 27th June.
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