New Delhi, 24 June 2025: The Sardaarji 3 Controversy has officially exploded on the national stage after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take strict action against the producers of the film. The controversy stems from the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the upcoming Punjabi film Sardaarji 3, which stars Diljit Dosanjh in the lead.
With emotions already running high in the country after recent terror attacks, this controversy has ignited widespread outrage, bringing together film workers, political voices, and nationalist sentiments demanding accountability from the entertainment industry.
Why Is There So Much Anger Over Sardaarji 3?
FWICE, one of the largest bodies representing over 5 lakh cine workers in India, has termed the casting of a Pakistani actress as a “willful affront to India’s sovereignty and dignity.” Their objection is rooted in an understanding reached after the 2016 Uri attacks, when Indian film industry associations decided to boycott Pakistani artists as a mark of solidarity with the Indian armed forces and the families of martyred soldiers.
The decision by the Sardaarji 3 filmmakers to break this understanding by casting Hania Aamir, at a time when Indo-Pak relations are still tense, has been labelled by FWICE as not only “insensitive” but also “commercially opportunistic.”
FWICE’s Statement on Sardaarji 3 Controversy:
“The casting of a Pakistani artist is not just against industry ethics but an outright disrespect to the sacrifices made by our soldiers. This is a betrayal of national sentiment purely for box office profits.”
Link with the Recent Pahalgam Attack
This controversy has gained more traction because it coincides with the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, in which Indian soldiers lost their lives. For many in the public, and especially among cine workers, the timing of Sardaarji 3 casting a Pakistani actress feels like rubbing salt on national wounds.
FWICE strongly criticized the producers of Sardaarji 3 for ignoring the nation’s grief and demanded immediate government intervention to prevent the normalization of such decisions in Bollywood and regional cinema.
FWICE Appeals to PM Modi for Direct Intervention
In their official letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, FWICE requested him to:
- Enforce the unofficial ban on Pakistani artists in the Indian entertainment industry.
- Take direct action against the producers of Sardaarji 3.
- Set an example for the industry so that national interests are not compromised for commercial gain.
The federation has also hinted at industry-wide protests if action is not taken, reflecting the growing assertiveness of cultural organizations in protecting what they describe as the “dignity of Indian cinema.”
Social Media Turns Sardaarji 3 Controversy Into a Storm
What started as an industry-level issue has now taken over social media, with hashtags like:
- #BoycottSardaarji3
- #RemoveHaniaAamir
- #DiljitMustSpeak
- #NationFirst
These hashtags have been trending on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook since the news broke.
The silence of Diljit Dosanjh, who enjoys a massive fan base globally, has not helped the situation. Many fans and critics are demanding that he speak up about the casting decision. Some even want Diljit to be removed from upcoming patriotic films like Border 2, suggesting that working with Pakistani artists disqualifies him from representing Indian patriotism on screen.
Industry Divided on Sardaarji 3 Controversy
While FWICE and many nationalistic voices have condemned the casting choice, some Bollywood insiders are cautioning against mixing politics with art. However, this argument doesn’t seem to resonate strongly with a public emotionally charged after repeated terror incidents and ongoing tensions with Pakistan.
Several Bollywood trade analysts have suggested that if the controversy continues to escalate, Sardaarji 3 might face boycotts in North India, affecting its box office collection, especially in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
CBFC May Step In
Insiders from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) indicate that the film may now face stricter scrutiny before certification. Though the CBFC doesn’t officially regulate the nationality of actors, political pressure may force additional oversight, especially if the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting gets involved.
What This Means for Bollywood’s International Collaborations
The Sardaarji 3 Controversy may prove to be a turning point for Bollywood’s cross-border collaborations, especially with Pakistani artists. If FWICE’s demands lead to official restrictions, producers may hesitate to work with Pakistani talent for fear of public backlash and political repercussions.
Growing Role of Cultural Organizations
What’s also becoming clear from this controversy is that organizations like FWICE are no longer willing to stay in the background. They are now actively shaping the political and cultural debates surrounding Indian cinema, reflecting a larger national mood where art is expected to align with patriotism.
Latest Status (As of June 24, 2025)
- No official statement yet from Diljit Dosanjh or the film’s producers.
- The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is said to be reviewing FWICE’s appeal.
- Public sentiment remains heavily tilted against the film, especially in northern India.
- Bollywood trade experts are watching the situation closely to gauge potential fallout for Sardaarji 3’s release and promotions.
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[…] 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 […]