The Sardaarji 3 Controversy Explained

Diljit Dosanjh has always attracted as much controversy as he has fame. From his Twitter spat with Kangana Ranaut during the 2019 Farmers’ Protest. To the debate over the spelling of ‘Punjab’ vs. ‘Panjab’, the superstar has remained a polarizing figure. And now, he finds himself in the middle of yet another storm. This time over his latest film, Sardaarji 3.

The film, part of the beloved Sardaarji franchise, with its teaser, initially received immense support from fans. Comments like “Can’t wait anymore” flooded his posts. But that excitement quickly turned to outrage when the official trailer dropped on YouTube and Diljit’s Instagram account. Viewers noticed the presence of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, and the backlash was immediate.

The Background

After the Pahalgam terrorist attack, FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) issued a stern statement. Banning any Pakistani artists and technicians from working in Indian entertainment. Several Pakistani celebrities’ Instagram accounts, including that of Hania Aamir, were geo-blocked in India.

Hania had previously made an insensitive remark about the Indian Army after Operation Sindoor, calling the Army “cowards.”

Her appearance in the Sardaarji 3 trailer enraged netizens. Even though the trailer was geo-blocked on YouTube in India, it remained on Diljit’s Instagram. Turning his comment section into a battleground of comments like “Gaddar”, “Anti-National”, “India First” etc., and demands for government intervention.

FWICE’s Letter to the PM

The growing outrage online soon caught the attention of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). Echoing public sentiment, the organization issued a formal letter to the Prime Minister, expressing sharp condemnation of Diljit Dosanjh and the Sardaarji 3 team.

FWICE directly called out the filmmakers. Naming them as violators of national trust. Describing the move as not just insensitive. But a betrayal of the very nation that helped shape their careers:

“Daljit Dosanjh, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu and Director Amar Hundal, the public personalities enjoying the privileges of Indian citizenship, have committed an unpardonable act by hiring Pakistani actress Ms. Hania Aamir in their upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3. This decision is not a mere creative choice — it is a willful affront to the sovereignty, dignity, and security of India.”

FWICE then called for immediate and strict action against the individuals involved: “We respectfully urge that their passports be revoked without delay, and that they be permanently barred from availing any rights, privileges, or representation associated with Indian citizenship and national identity.”

FWICE also emphasized that the team’s decision to cast a Pakistani actress shows a lack of loyalty to the country. And to ensure there were industry-wide consequences. FWICE “urged, all Producers’ Associations, Film Federations, OTT Platforms, Exhibitors, and Distributors across the country to immediately sever all ties.”

FWICE further called Hania Aamir “not just a foreign actress, but an anti-India propagandist.”

Even though Diljit had clarified on Instagram that the film would only be released overseas. FWICE strongly objected to this as well. They condemned the international release strategy. They urged authorities to also bar Diljit from being cast in patriotic films like Border 2.

AICWA Also Writes to the PM

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also issued a letter to the Prime Minister, echoing FWICE’s stance, and demanding action against the filmmakers and cast of Sardaarji 3.

Reactions from Other Artists

B Praak shared a cryptic post:

“Kayin artist apna zameer hee bech chuke ne. Fiteh mooh tuhade.” (Some artists have sold their conscience. Shame on you.)

While he didn’t name anyone, fans immediately speculated that the comment was directed at Diljit.

Mika Singh added his voice to the controversy via an Instagram story:

“Before releasing any content that involves artists from across the border, they should think twice—especially when our nation’s dignity is involved.”

Ashoke Pandit strongly criticized Diljit:

“The matter is very serious because Diljit Dosanjh is a compulsive, regular lawbreaker, as far as our industry is concerned. He has always promoted Pakistani performers, Pakistani singers, Pakistani actors. He knows the reason. When the industry is appealing to him, and there is no need to appeal to the industry, when it comes to the nation, the integrity of the nation, the internal security of the nation—even then, this person makes the same mistake again and again.”

The Makers Respond

The makers of the film, White Hill Studios, issued a statement:

“This is to bring to everyone’s kind notice that the film named Sardaarji 3 was shot well before the prevailing situation that our country is facing now and it was never ever the case that any Pakistani artist was signed or was engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.”

“We stand united with our country and our fellow countrymen during this sensitive time. Considering the same, we had decided not to release the film or any of its promotional content in India until the situation becomes opportune.”

Diljit Breaks Silence

Diljit addressed the issue in a BBC interview:

“Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation sab theek tha. We shot this in February and then everything was fine.”

“Uske baad, bahut saari badi cheezen humare haath mein nahi hai. Toh producers ne decide kiya ki film obviously ab India toh nahi lagegi, toh overseas release karte hain. Toh producers ka bahut paisa laga hua hai aur jab yeh film bann rahi thi tab aisa kuch tha nahi.”

Is Diljit Anti-National?

It’s a question many are now asking. But should they?

This accusation intensified after his infamous clash with Kangana Ranaut during the Farmers’ Protest. At the time, he stated:

“Naley Kon Desh Premi Te Kon Desh Virodhi Eh Decide Karn Da Hakk Ehnu Kiney De Ta?” (Who gave her the right to decide who is anti-national and who is a patriot?)

Diljit has always taken bold stances. His Bollywood debut Udta Punjab tackled drug abuse in Punjab. He later starred in Punjab 1984, a film about the dark days of insurgency. During a press interview for the film, he urged journalists to call the 1984 killings of Sikhs a “genocide,” not just “riots.”

He also received backlash when a Pakistani woman joined him on stage during a concert and he said:

“Saade liye Hindustan, Pakistani sab ikko aa.” (For us [artists], Hindustan and Pakistan are the same.)

The Bigger Picture: Punjab 95

She also shed light on another film Punjab 95. Based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist. The film has no Pakistani actors, no anti-national agenda. Just a minority asking for its story to be heard.