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Following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed 26 civilian lives, a fresh wave of tension between India and Pakistan led to renewed restrictions on Pakistani artistes working in India. Amidst this climate, actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has found himself at the centre of controversy for collaborating with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming film 'Sardaar Ji 3'.

The backlash has grown louder ever since the trailer dropped, with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) calling for a boycott of Dosanjh. In light of the sensitive political scenario, the makers of 'Sardaar Ji 3' have decided against an Indian release, opting instead for an international rollout.

Diljit Dosanjh on overseas-only release of Sardaar Ji 3

Speaking to BBC Asian Network, Diljit addressed the issue for the first time. He explained that the film was made well before the current crisis unfolded.

"Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation sab theek tha. We shot this in Feb and then everything was fine. Uske baad, bhut saari badi cheezen humare haath mein nahi hai. Toh producers ne decide kiya ki film obviously ab India toh nahi lagegi, toh overseas release karte hain. Toh producers ka bahut paisa laga hua hai aur jab yeh film bann rahi thi tab aisa kuch tha nahi (When this film was made, everything was fine. We shot it in February and things were okay back then. After that, a lot of big things happened that are beyond our control. So the producers decided that the film obviously won’t be released in India now, so they’ll release it overseas. The producers have invested a lot of money, and when the film was being made, nothing like this was happening). They know there will be a loss because you’re removing an entire territory. Even when I signed the film, everything was fine. Now the situation is not in our hands. So if the producers want to release it abroad, I support them," he said.

Diljit on working with Hania Aamir

Diljit also spoke about his experience sharing screen space with Hania Aamir, calling her “very professional.” "Very good. She’s very professional. I really respect her work and her privacy. I’m also a very private person myself and I give everyone their space, especially women. To the point hi baat hoti hai zayada kuch nahi," he added.

FWICE reacts strongly to the film

Despite the film not being released in Indian theatres, FWICE has taken a firm stand against Diljit’s association with a Pakistani artist. In a statement to Hindustan Times, FWICE President BN Tiwari expressed sharp criticism.

"By working with a Pakistani actor, Diljit has hurt Indian sentiments. He has disrespected the sentiments of the nation and insulted the sacrifice of our brave soldiers. His preference for Pakistani talent over Indian artists raises serious questions about his loyalty and priorities," said Tiwari.

He went on to warn of a broader boycott: “We have heard that the film is not being released in India. But if they plan to release it, we will ban it. For now, they are releasing overseas only. That being said, Diljit working with a Pakistani actor is something we are not ready to overlook. We have called for a strict ban on all upcoming films, songs or any other sort of projects. We will also issue a formal letter on the same today. Along with Diljit, we have also called for a ban on the producers of the film regarding all their upcoming films.”

About Sardaar Ji 3

The third instalment in the popular Punjabi franchise, 'Sardaar Ji 3' brings back Diljit Dosanjh in the lead, with Hania Aamir and Neeru Bajwa playing pivotal roles. The ensemble cast also includes Manav Vij, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, and Sapna Pabbi.

Set against the backdrop of the UK, the plot revolves around Diljit’s character, a ghost hunter, who teams up with Hania’s character to rid a haunted mansion of a lingering spirit. The film is scheduled for release internationally on June 27.