Diljit Dosanjh has landed in hot water ahead of the release of his latest production, Sardaar Ji 3, after the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir sparked controversy. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have announced a complete industry boycott of the singer-actor for allegedly ignoring ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.
The uproar began after the trailer for Sardaar Ji 3 dropped on June 22, revealing Hania Aamir as the film's lead opposite Dosanjh. While the teaser had excluded any trace of the Pakistani actor, the full trailer showcased her prominently. The backlash was immediate, especially given the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, which reignited anti-Pakistan sentiment.
BN Tiwari, president of FWICE, told NDTV that the organization will ensure Dosanjh does not get work in any capacity across India if the film is not withdrawn. "There will be complete non-cooperation. If he doesn’t withdraw the film, he won’t get work in India,” said Tiwari. The group has also written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) requesting them to halt the film’s approval process.
AICWA echoed the sentiment, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to call for a full boycott of Dosanjh across film, music, and event industries. They urged all production houses and stakeholders to cut ties with the artist in solidarity with national interest.
Amid the controversy, Dosanjh clarified via social media that Sardaar Ji 3 will release “OVERSEAS only” on June 27, with the trailer link geo-blocked in India. The horror-comedy also stars Neeru Bajwa and marks a continuation of the successful Sardaar Ji franchise.
Notably, this isn’t the first time a Pakistani actor’s involvement in Indian cinema has drawn ire. Earlier, FWICE also protested Fawad Khan's return in Abir Gulaal, effectively blocking its Indian release.
Filmmaker Ashok Pandit criticized Dosanjh, calling his stance “arrogant” and emphasizing the responsibility public figures have towards national sentiment. He stated that while Dosanjh may earn and live in India, he must respect the emotions of its people. With Sardaar Ji 3 now caught in political crossfire, its India release remains uncertain. The situation underscores growing scrutiny on cross-border collaborations in entertainment amid heightened geopolitical sensitivities.
