The controversy has taken a dramatic turn after Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi came forward to defend Diljit Dosanjh and the film’s creative choices. In doing so, Jasbir Jassi raised uncomfortable questions about the hypocrisy and double standards within the Indian entertainment industry and its audience.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The casting of Hania Aamir, a prominent television and film actress from Pakistan, has reignited the debate around the participation of Pakistani artists in Indian cinema. The situation has been exacerbated by recent violent incidents—most notably the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed several lives, and the Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military offensive targeting militant infrastructure.
Adding to the sensitive timing is the lingering sentiment post the 2019 Pulwama attack, after which the Indian film industry imposed an unofficial but widespread ban on Pakistani artists. The Indian Government’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had also supported the stance unofficially by discouraging such collaborations in the wake of increasing hostilities.
As a result, Sardaar Ji 3, which was scheduled for global release on June 27, 2025, has been pulled from Indian theatres. The film will now only be released in overseas markets with a significant Punjabi diaspora.
Jasbir Jassi’s Counter to the Outrage
Singer Jasbir Jassi stirred a much-needed conversation by pointing out the inconsistency of the outrage. Speaking to NDTV, Jasbir Jassi said he respects national sentiment but questioned why only actors are targeted while Pakistani music continues to be heavily used and consumed across platforms in India.
Jasbir Jassi “I respect people’s emotions. Yes, we should stand by our country. But if you want to boycott Pakistani artists, then remove everything — songs, lyrics, music — from our industry that’s been taken from Pakistan. You can’t keep listening to their songs and then call them enemies when one of them acts in a film.”
His statement reflects a broader truth — that even after the ban, numerous Bollywood films and albums have featured rehashed or inspired music from Pakistani singers and composers. From streaming platforms like Spotify, JioSaavn, YouTube, to film soundtracks, Pakistani music continues to thrive in the Indian market, even if the names behind those melodies are no longer openly credited.
Jasbir Jassi added: “If you want to be consistent, remove all their content from all platforms. Don’t just pick one artist to protest against. It’s hypocrisy.”
Pakistani Influence on Indian Music: A Long History
Jasbir Jassi’s argument isn’t without merit. Indian cinema has historically embraced musical talents from Pakistan. Here are just a few examples:
- Atif Aslam, who gave chartbusters like Tera Hone Laga Hoon, Jeene Laga Hoon, and Dil Diyan Gallan.
- Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, whose collaborations with Bollywood are considered legendary, especially in films like Ishqiya, My Name is Khan, and Baaghi 2.
- Ali Zafar, who acted in and sang for Bollywood before the ban.
These artists’ voices are still widely popular in India despite being absent from the scene since 2019. Their older work continues to feature on radio stations, public playlists, weddings, and parties.
Moreover, many Indian music producers and composers have been accused of “remixing” or directly lifting tunes from Pakistani folk or pop without credit, further fueling the debate on intellectual honesty and artistic integrity.
Industry’s Divided Silence
Despite the high-profile nature of this controversy, most actors, directors, and producers from the film industry have refrained from making any public statements. Diljit Dosanjh himself has remained silent, perhaps in a strategic move to avoid fanning the flames.
Industry insiders, however, claim that the casting of Hania Aamir was finalized months before the recent escalation in border tensions and had nothing to do with current events. Contracts were signed, scenes shot, and promotions scheduled before the situation turned politically sensitive.
A few independent filmmakers have quietly expressed concern that such controversies set a dangerous precedent for creative freedom and expression in cinema.
Overseas Release: Will It Affect the Film’s Performance?
Despite the cancellation of its Indian release, Sardaar Ji 3 will premiere on June 27, 2025, in international markets. Countries with large Punjabi-speaking populations — Canada, UK, Australia, UAE, and the US — are expected to receive the film warmly.
Punjabi cinema, unlike mainstream Bollywood, has traditionally enjoyed a strong diaspora audience, and trade analysts believe the controversy may even boost global box office interest in the film.
However, the lack of a domestic release and the political baggage attached may affect the film’s long-term reception and digital rights value in India.
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