Chandigarh, June 24, 2025 — Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh has landed in a heated controversy ahead of the international release of his film Sardaar Ji 3, after casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a key role. The backlash stems from rising anti-Pakistan sentiment in India following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which prompted a strict industry-wide ban on Pakistani artists by Indian film federations.
Although Sardaar Ji 3 was reportedly completed before the attack, Diljit’s announcement that the film would not release in India has done little to calm the storm. Social media erupted with calls of “shame” and “insensitivity,” accusing the actor of disregarding national sentiment for personal promotion.
What has added fuel to the already raging fire is a cryptic social media post by popular Punjabi singer B Praak, widely interpreted as a veiled dig at Diljit. “Kayin artist apna zameer he bech chuke ne. Fiteh mooh tuhade (Many artists have sold their conscience. Shame on you),” Praak wrote without naming anyone. But netizens were quick to connect the dots, assuming the comment was aimed directly at Diljit.
The reaction to Praak’s post was swift and loud. “Finally someone said the truth,” a user commented, while another added, “Fix your mentality. Or live in the country you support.” Many accused Diljit of giving more importance to his Pakistani fanbase than to national solidarity, with some slamming him for “glorifying” a Pakistani actress during a time of heightened tension.
One particularly scathing comment read: “Ridiculous of you to question this! Nothing is and should be bigger than one’s country—not even art! All Hania does is lip-sync to Indian songs. That fame was handed to her by Indians.”
Despite the firestorm, the film’s international release remains on track for June 27. Directed by Amar Hundal and written by Rakesh Dhawan, Sardaar Ji 3 features an ensemble cast including Neeru Bajwa, Jasmin Bajwa, Manav Vij, and Gulshan Grover. The film is co-produced by Diljit Dosanjh along with Gunbir Singh Sidhu and Manmord Sidhu.
While fans abroad await the release, the controversy at home underscores the deepening divide between creative freedom and public sentiment in an era of rising nationalism.
