Mumbai/Chandigarh (National Times): Popular Punjabi actress Neeru Bajwa has sparked widespread speculation after a cryptic Instagram post suggested she may be distancing herself from her latest film, Sardaar Ji 3, amid mounting backlash over the film’s casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir.
Just three days before the overseas release of Sardaar Ji 3, Bajwa shared a thought-provoking quote on Instagram: “Sometimes it’s better to lose and do the right thing, than to win and do the wrong thing. Time to go home ❤️”
The post, simple yet emotionally charged, has prompted fans and industry watchers to question her current stance on the film, in which she stars alongside Diljit Dosanjh.
Adding fuel to the speculation, fans observed that Neeru has removed all promotional content related to Sardaar Ji 3 from her Instagram page. While she continues to follow Diljit Dosanjh, her co-star and long-time collaborator, she does not follow Hania Aamir, hinting at a possible discomfort with the ongoing controversy.
Backlash Over Cross-Border Casting
The controversy stems from the inclusion of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a lead role, which has triggered public and political backlash, given the current strained relations between India and Pakistan. Critics argue that the film’s casting is insensitive in the wake of recent national tragedies and tensions.
Though the filmmakers and Diljit himself have clarified that the casting was done long before political tensions reignited, calls for boycotting the film and even revoking Diljit Dosanjh’s Indian citizenship have made headlines in recent days.
As a result, Sardaar Ji 3, directed by Amar Hundal, has seen a limited international release only, with no theatrical debut scheduled in India as of now.
A Shift in Focus?
Interestingly, Bajwa’s recent social media activity points toward her upcoming Bollywood venture, Son of Sardaar 2, opposite Ajay Devgn. This shift in focus, just as Sardaar Ji 3 hits screens abroad, has not gone unnoticed.
While Neeru Bajwa has made no public statement explicitly addressing the controversy, her digital silence and carefully curated posts seem to speak volumes. Whether it is a personal choice, a professional strategy, or a silent protest remains unclear — but one thing is certain: fans are watching closely.
As the Sardaar Ji franchise faces its most politically charged moment yet, Bajwa’s subtle retreat raises pressing questions about the role of artists in navigating cross-border sensitivities in cinema.
