Pakistani actress Hania Aamir’s much-anticipated Bollywood debut in Sardaar Ji 3 will not see a theatrical release in India due to escalating tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.
Although initial reports speculated she had been removed from the cast, Diljit Dosanjh confirmed Aamir’s role and announced on Instagram that Sardaar Ji 3 will release exclusively overseas on June 27. “Don’t miss it,” Dosanjh wrote, as the trailer confirmed Hania in a lead role as a ghostbuster.
The decision not to release the film in India follows lobbying efforts by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Film Federation of India, who reportedly pressured the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the film over Aamir’s involvement.
Tensions flared following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which resulted in 26 casualties. The attack reignited restrictions against Pakistani celebrities in Indian media.
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Speculation about Hania’s role intensified after her absence from early promotions. However, a behind-the-scenes image shared by Dosanjh, followed by the official trailer, confirmed her role in the film.
Bilateral relations between India and Pakistan deteriorated further in May, when the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian jets in response to missile strikes on its soil. The resulting tensions have disrupted several cross-border entertainment ventures.
Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s film Abir Gulaal, featuring Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, also faced a ban. Posters featuring Mahira Khan and Mawra Hocane were removed from Bollywood films on streaming services, and Instagram restricted access to accounts of several Pakistani stars including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, and Ali Zafar. Indian users now see the message: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
Despite the challenges, Hania Aamir received strong support from fellow celebrities and fans alike. Industry figures such as Mahira Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Zara Noor Abbas, and Yasir Hussain publicly expressed solidarity. Yasir Hussain emphasized that the film holds “historic value” due to Hania’s involvement amid diplomatic strain.
