Diljit's 'Sardaar Ji 3' Faces FWICE Objection Over Pakistani Actors, Censor Board Urged To Deny Certification
FWICE has requested the CBFC to deny certification to 'Sardaar Ji 3' for featuring Pakistani actors like Hania Aamir. The move aligns with government directives amid rising Indo-Pak tensions.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has appealed to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to withhold the release certificate for Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming film 'Sardaar Ji 3' due to the inclusion of Pakistani actors.
In a formal letter addressed to CBFC Chairperson Prasoon Joshi, FWICE raised objections to the participation of Pakistani nationals such as Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela in the film.
'Align With National Sentiment' FWICE Tells CBFC
The letter read, “In light of recent directives issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B Ministry), prohibiting Pakistani-origin content and collaboration with Pakistani artistes in Indian productions, and the parallel stance adopted by FWICE, we urge CBFC to align with these directives and national interest considerations before proceeding with certification.”
FWICE emphasised its appreciation of CBFC’s “impartial and rigorous certification process” while also urging the board to “give due consideration to this request.”
BJP Union Also Opposes Pakistani Artists in Indian Films
Echoing similar sentiments, the BJP Chitrapat Kamgar Aghaadi also voiced its opposition. “We strongly oppose any Pakistani artiste being associated with Indian cinema. It is the demand of the BJP Chitrapat Kamgar Union that 'Sardaar Ji 3' should not be allowed to receive a censor certificate,” the union said in a statement.
“This is not just a political issue—it is about national sentiment and the dignity of our country,” the BJP-affiliated film union added.
Post-Pahalgam Attack Indo-Pak Tensions
The opposition to 'Sardaar Ji 3' comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, where 26 tourists were killed, including one Nepali national. The attack was blamed on Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.
In response, India carried out counter-terror strikes across Pakistan, targeting and destroying multiple terror infrastructures. The Indian government followed up with a strict advisory to OTT platforms and streaming services, instructing them to halt all Pakistani-origin content, including films, web series, songs, and podcasts. Even the social media accounts of Pakistani actors were banned in India.
As a result, the inclusion of Pakistani actors in any Indian production is now considered a violation of these advisories, potentially risking the film’s release altogether.
While neither Diljit Dosanjh nor the producers of 'Sardaar Ji 3' have issued an official statement yet, the controversy has stirred a new debate around the intersection of politics, art, and nationalism in Indian cinema.
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