The release of "Sardaar Ji 3," starring Diljit Dosanjh, has been met with a wave of controversy due to the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. This backlash is occurring against the backdrop of heightened political tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack. The film, which was shot in February 2025, is not being released in India, a decision made by the producers in response to the strained relations and the restrictions placed on Pakistani artists in Indian media.

Diljit Dosanjh addressed the controversy in an interview with BBC Asian Network, stating that the film was made when the situation between the two countries was нормальной. He emphasized that subsequent events were beyond his control and supported the producers' decision to release the film overseas, acknowledging the financial losses incurred by not releasing it in India. He also spoke positively about Hania Aamir, describing her as "very professional" during the shoot.

However, Dosanjh's statements and the film's release strategy have not quelled the criticism. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has objected to Dosanjh working with a Pakistani artist and has appealed to the Indian government for strong action against the film and its makers. Some have even called for Dosanjh's Indian citizenship to be revoked. The FWICE's Chief Advisor, Ashoke Pandit, questioned how the Uri, Pulwama, and Mumbai attacks could be forgotten.

Amidst the backlash, some have come to Dosanjh's defense. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson R P Singh called Dosanjh a "national asset" and a "global ambassador of Indian culture". Singh argued that calls to revoke Dosanjh's citizenship were "unfair" and "shockingly disproportionate," and that expressing anguish through boycotts was a more appropriate response. He also pointed out the inconsistency of objecting to Dosanjh's film while the Indian cricket team played against Pakistan and TV channels invite Pakistani guests.

Adding to the complexity, actress Neeru Bajwa, who also stars in "Sardaar Ji 3," has reportedly unfollowed Hania Aamir on Instagram and deleted all posts related to the film from her profile. This action has been interpreted as a move to distance herself from the project, with some praising her for taking a stand.

The controversy surrounding "Sardaar Ji 3" highlights the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and the challenges faced by artists working across borders. The film's overseas release will proceed, but the debate over its casting and the implications for Indian-Pakistani artistic collaborations continue.