‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Producer Backs Hania Aamir’s Casting, Says Film Was Shot Before India-Pakistan Conflict

Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu addresses backlash over Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, clarifying that the film was shot before India-Pakistan tensions escalated.

Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu clarifies Hania Aamir’s casting in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ amid rising India-Pak tensions.

Source : Instagram

The trailer of 'Sardaar Ji 3', unveiled on June 22, 2025, has ignited a storm on social media after it was revealed that the Punjabi film will not release in India. Starring Diljit Dosanjh alongside Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, the film has triggered public outrage, especially in the wake of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following Operation Sindoor.

Indian viewers trying to access the trailer on YouTube were met with the message: “The uploader has not made this video available in your country,” confirming a geo-block consistent with the film's decision to forgo a domestic release.

Hania Aamir's Alleged Remarks Spark Online Uproar

The backlash intensified after Hania Aamir’s alleged anti-India comments post-Operation Sindoor began circulating online. The military strike, carried out on May 7 by Indian Armed Forces, was a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 soldiers.

Hania’s Instagram account has since become inaccessible in India, further fueling tensions. Social media users called Diljit “insensitive” and “shameless” for working with Pakistani actors at such a sensitive time. The outrage extended to Sardaar Ji 3’s supporting cast, which includes Pakistani actors Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela.

Producers Clarify Decision to Skip India

Reacting to the growing controversy, the film’s producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu told India Today, “The film was shot before the conflict with Pakistan. Keeping sentiments on Indian in mind, no India release for the movie.”

On June 11, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny certification to the film due to its casting of Pakistani talent. Faced with mounting pressure and regulatory concerns, the makers chose to restrict Sardaar Ji 3 to an overseas release.

Diljit himself reiterated this move on social media, writing, “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.”

Directed by Amar Hundal, the horror comedy marks the third installment in the Sardaar Ji franchise. While fans overseas prepare for its release, Indian audiences are left divided between calls for artistic freedom and national sentiment in a time of geopolitical strain.