Mumbai – Actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh has responded to the controversy surrounding his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani actor Hania Aamir and is not releasing in India amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that claimed 26 civilian lives.
Due to a ban on Pakistani artistes working in India, the film’s makers opted for an international-only release, sparking backlash and boycott calls against Diljit.
Diljit on the Film’s Non-Release in India
Speaking to BBC Asian Network, Diljit broke his silence on the matter:
“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).
He added:
“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.”
Diljit on Working with Hania Aamir
Addressing his experience working with Hania Aamir, Diljit said:
“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.”
(Conversations are to the point, nothing more).
FWICE Reacts Strongly, Calls for Ban
Following the trailer’s release, Diljit faced strong criticism, particularly from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which called for a ban on Diljit and the producers.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, FWICE President BN Tiwari said:
“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.”
He added:
“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
Directed by Rohit Jugraj, Sardaar Ji 3 features Diljit Dosanjh, Hania Aamir, and Neeru Bajwa, alongside Manav Vij, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, and Sapna Pabbi. The story follows Diljit’s character—a ghost hunter—teaming up with Hania to remove a spirit from a mansion in the UK.
The film is set for overseas release on June 27.