Indian music and film icon Diljit Dosanjh is under fire from extremist groups and nationalist circles in India following the release of the trailer for his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a leading role.
The trailer, released ahead of the film’s international debut on June 27, has ignited a storm of controversy, particularly on social media platforms. Hardline nationalists accused Diljit of being “anti-national” and a “traitor” for collaborating with a Pakistani artist, especially amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
One viral post on X (formerly Twitter) even tagged India’s Ministry of External Affairs, urging them to revoke Diljit’s passport for promoting a film with a Pakistani co-star, claiming it shows “insensitivity” toward national sentiment.
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Adding fuel to the fire, the post referenced an alleged Pakistani-backed attack on the Golden Temple, claiming that Diljit’s timing was “unacceptable.”
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also condemned the collaboration. Its president, BN Tiwari, threatened a permanent ban on both Diljit Dosanjh and White Hill Studios (the film’s producers) if the movie is released internationally with Hania Aamir’s scenes intact.
According to industry sources, Sardaar Ji 3 was completed before the recent diplomatic tensions escalated. Despite rumors that Hania Aamir’s scenes might be reshot or edited, her appearance in the official trailer suggests that the team has decided to retain her role.
The film is unlikely to be released in Indian theaters, but its global release remains on track.
Meanwhile, Pakistani fans have come out in support of Dosanjh, praising him for prioritizing art over hate and standing against pressure from nationalist lobbies. Many hailed him as a symbol of cross-border artistic unity.
This controversy highlights how political rifts continue to disrupt cultural exchange between India and Pakistan. Whether Indian authorities will act on the demand to cancel Diljit’s passport remains to be seen.
