New Delhi, June 25, 2025: Popular singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has found himself in the middle of a social media storm and industry backlash for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming Punjabi film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’. As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, Diljit and the film’s makers are under fire, with calls for a complete boycott of the movie in India.
Social Media and Industry Backlash
The controversy took a sharp turn after netizens and members of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) criticized Diljit for collaborating with a Pakistani artist amid the current geopolitical unrest. Hashtags like #BoycottSardaarJi3 and #DiljitUnpatriotic started trending online, reflecting a rising wave of discontent among a section of the public and film fraternity.
Diljit’s Manager Speaks Out: “Choosing Love Over Hate”
In response, Diljit Dosanjh’s manager, Sonali Singh, shared a heartfelt and detailed note titled “Always choosing love over hate.” Singh called the criticism both “disheartening” and “unfair,” especially given the fact that the film was shot and cast much before the current tensions emerged between India and Pakistan.
“This recent wave of criticism is disheartening. The film was shot long before the current political climate intensified,” Sonali stated.
She further explained that ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ is not a corporate-backed project but one funded by the life savings of regional producers. Halting the release would result in massive losses, not just for Diljit but for everyone involved in the project.
Financial Stakes and Emotional Appeal
Singh emphasized that the film is a passion project created to uplift regional Punjabi cinema, not a multinational studio venture.
“To attempt to derail this release now is to undermine not just one actor, but an entire creative ecosystem,” she wrote.
She added that producers’ families have invested their entire savings, and the move to pull back the India release is a huge financial blow.
White Hill Studios Announces Overseas-Only Release
On Tuesday, the production house White Hill Studios officially announced that ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ would not be released in India or promoted within the country “until the situation becomes opportune.” The film will instead be released exclusively overseas on June 27.
The trailer has been shared only on Diljit’s Instagram, not on YouTube India, further reflecting the cautious approach being taken.
“Sardaar Ji 3 releasing 27th June OVERSEAS only. FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN,” wrote Diljit in his Instagram post.
Respecting Public Sentiment
Singh further clarified that Diljit’s decision to halt the Indian release was out of respect for Indian sentiments and national mood.
“He honours the decisions of his own country even at a personal and professional cost,” Singh said.
She added that the move was not just about avoiding controversy but about minimizing losses for the film’s producers and showing solidarity with the Indian public and authorities.
Diljit’s Cryptic Post on Censorship
Adding fuel to the fire, Diljit Dosanjh shared a cryptic Instagram story stating, “Censored before release?” — widely interpreted as a dig at not just the Sardaar Ji 3 controversy but also the long-delayed release of his earlier film ‘Punjab 95’.
‘Punjab 95’, directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who exposed enforced disappearances in Punjab. The film has faced repeated delays due to censorship issues.
National Hero or Soft Target?
Sonali Singh ended her note by questioning the double standards of celebrating Diljit Dosanjh’s global achievements while questioning his patriotism.
The manager pointed out the hypocrisy of those who celebrate Diljit when he brings glory to India abroad, but criticize him based on assumptions at home.
[…] Diljit’s outfit, emotion, and narrative at Met Gala weren’t just about breaking into Western high fashion—they were about inclusion, visibility, and cultural pride. His sherwani bore lotus motifs and peacocks, symbols from Indian mythology and art. But it was the map of Punjab and Gurmukhi script that stole the show. […]