Diljit Dosanjh has caught everyone’s attention again, and this time it’s not just for his music or performances, it’s for the firestorm swirling around his new film, Sardaar Ji 3. The Punjabi superstar is facing major backlash after Pakistani actress Hania Aamir was cast as the female lead in the third installment of his hit horror-comedy franchise. While the announcement excited many fans globally, it sparked outrage back home in India.
Earlier this week, Diljit posted a cryptic Instagram Story that read, “Censored before release?”, a statement many believe is aimed at both the uproar over Sardaar Ji 3 and the censorship delays surrounding his biopic Punjab 95, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The timing couldn’t be more controversial, as tensions between India and Pakistan remain high after recent border incidents, leading to growing nationalist sentiments online.
In Sardaar Ji 3, Diljit reprises his beloved role as Jaggi, a ghostbuster with swag, alongside Hania Aamir, who makes her Punjabi film debut. The film promises a spooky, fun-filled adventure set in the UK, with a vibrant supporting cast that includes Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover, Manav Vij, and others. But despite the film’s entertainment value, many Indians are refusing to watch it, citing patriotism and political sensitivity.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) quickly condemned the casting choice, urging the CBFC to reject the film’s certification in India and even calling for passport cancellation of those involved with Pakistani talent. The result? The film won’t be released in India at all. Sardaar Ji 3 is now slated for an overseas release only on June 27, 2025, leaving Indian fans in a lurch.
Public opinion is heavily divided. While some believe cinema should transcend borders, others argue that during such delicate times, working with Pakistani artists is unacceptable. Social media has exploded with demands to remove Diljit from patriotic films like Border 2, accusing him of double standards, playing a soldier on screen while collaborating with an actress from across the border in real life.
Meanwhile, the ghost of Punjab 95 continues to haunt the actor. The film has reportedly been delayed due to over 120 censor board cuts, despite being selected for a TIFF premiere. Fans suspect that the same powers silencing Punjab 95 are now pushing back against Sardaar Ji 3, especially after Diljit’s vague yet telling Instagram story.
With controversy clouding both his projects, Diljit remains tight-lipped, but his silence is only making headlines grow louder. What started as a film release has now turned into a full-blown cultural debate. Can art really stay apolitical in today’s world? Or are artists expected to toe national lines at the cost of creative freedom?
Either way, Sardaar Ji 3 is no longer just a movie, it’s become a battleground of ideologies, emotions, and national sentiment.
