Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh is at the centre of controversy following the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3. The collaboration has drawn criticism from social media users, fellow industry members, and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), particularly in light of escalating political tensions between India and Pakistan.
In response to the backlash, Dosanjh’s manager, Sonali Singh, issued a public statement titled “Always Choosing Love Over Hate”, calling the criticism “disheartening” and “unfair.” Singh clarified that the film was shot well before the current diplomatic situation worsened, emphasising that the project is not backed by a corporate studio but funded through the personal savings of the producers. “This is someone’s life’s earnings at risk,” she wrote, warning that derailing the film’s release could severely impact the independent regional film ecosystem.
The film’s producers, White Hill Studios, also issued a statement confirming that casting and production were completed before recent political developments. The studio has since decided to withhold the release of Sardaar Ji 3 and its promotional materials in India until the “situation becomes opportune.”
“Diljit has chosen to respect the sentiments of the Indian public and authorities,” Singh added. “He is not releasing the film in India, standing in alignment with the nation’s current mood, even at a significant personal and professional cost.”
Singh also addressed what she described as a double standard, noting that Dosanjh is often praised internationally for representing Indian culture, such as performing at Coachella and appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in traditional attire, but faces scrutiny at home. “We celebrate him globally for carrying India with pride, yet question his patriotism domestically,” she wrote.
Amid the controversy, Dosanjh shared a cryptic Instagram story stating, “Censored before release?”, which many believe refers to his long-delayed film Punjab 95. The project, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has faced censorship issues in India.
Despite the backlash, Dosanjh released the trailer for Sardaar Ji 3 on Instagram this week, confirming that the film will release exclusively in overseas markets on 27 June 2025. While the trailer is not accessible on YouTube India, it remains live on his personal social media platforms. “Sardaar Ji 3 releasing 27 June 2025 overseas only. FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN,” Dosanjh captioned the post.
The film, part of the popular Sardaar Ji horror-comedy franchise, is expected to perform well internationally, even as domestic release plans remain uncertain.