Diljit Dosanjh faces industry boycott after casting Hania Aamir in 'Sardaar Ji 3'

Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming Punjabi horror-comedy Sardaar Ji 3 has hit a major hurdle just days ahead of its release, with growing backlash in India over the film's casting and distribution decisions. The third instalment in the popular franchise, which also stars Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, will not see a release in India, sparking outrage among local cinema bodies and fans alike.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), one of India’s largest film worker unions, is now planning an official ban on both Diljit Dosanjh and the producers of the film. In a statement to India Today, FWICE President BN Tiwari stated, “None of their films and projects would be allowed to be released in India. There would be complete cooperation from the Indian film industry.”

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The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), on the other hand, issued a statement on social media saying, “All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) strongly condemns the inclusion of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the upcoming film Sardar Ji 3, produced and headlined by Indian singer and producer Diljit Dosanjh, along with other co-producers.”

The statement further read: “We urge all Indian producers, production houses, music companies, event organisers, and film workers to stand united and not associate with Diljit Dosanjh in any professional capacity. We will approach various industry unions, workers’ bodies, and stakeholders to uphold this patriotic call,” the statement read.

The controversy comes in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, followed by India's Operation Sindhoor on May 7, when air strikes were carried out in Pakistan.

On Sunday, June 22, Diljit Dosanjh unveiled the film’s trailer on Instagram with the caption: "Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only/ FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN (sic)." The trailer link on YouTube has since been geo-blocked in India.

Co-producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu addressed the controversy, clarifying that the film was completed well before the current India-Pakistan conflict escalated. “We are not releasing the film in India keeping in mind the present situation and sentiments of India and Indian people,” he told India Today. Sidhu added that the team will wait for a more appropriate time to bring the film to Indian audiences.

The film’s storyline follows a ghost-hunting adventure set in the United Kingdom, with Hania Aamir and Diljit Dosanjh teaming up to exorcise a spirit from a haunted mansion.

The controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 echoes a similar situation earlier this year with Abir Gulaal, a Hindi film starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. That film was also barred from release in India following FWICE’s call for a ban on cross-border entertainment collaborations.

Husain Rizvi

husain@khaleejtimes.com

Husain Rizvi is a Senior Features Writer who covers entertainment and lifestyle stories and has a profound interest in tech (games) and sports. When he’s not working, you can find him at the gym, or finishing a boss fight in a video game.