In a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, sparked by the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s countermeasure Operation Sindoor, popular singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh finds himself at the centre of a growing social media storm. The controversy stems from the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, which is scheduled for an overseas release on June 27.
Now, her presence in Sardaar Ji 3—alongside Diljit and Neeru Bajwa—has sparked outrage among Indian netizens. What’s fuelling the fire is the resurfacing of earlier reports that suggested Hania had been dropped from the film following the escalation of hostilities. With the film’s trailer now live on Diljit’s Instagram (but notably absent from YouTube), it’s clear that Hania remains a prominent part of the cast.
This is the true color of Hania Aamir from Pakistan for you. Stop supporting her and boycott her completely. #OperationSindoor #PakistanBehindPahalgam pic.twitter.com/ioSBAiTiHk
— Harsh Patel (@Harshpatel1408) May 7, 2025
This revelation has led to severe backlash against Diljit, especially over his silence on Operation Sindoor and continued professional association with a Pakistani actor who criticized India. Many are now calling for his removal from the upcoming war film Border 2—the highly anticipated sequel to J.P. Dutta’s 1997 patriotic blockbuster Border. The film, currently in development, also stars Varun Dhawan, Sunny Deol, and Ahan Shetty.
Comments on social media range from disappointment to anger. One user wrote, “This guy should also exit from Border 2 as it will be an INDIAN MOVIE.” Another echoed the sentiment, posting, “If only there were a petition we could sign to block his Border 2 from releasing in India. SHAME ON YOU!”
Criticism is not only limited to the casting but also to Diljit’s perceived lack of patriotism. A Reddit user slammed him, saying, “This idiot should be thrown out of Border 2 else that would be an insult.”
Some Punjabi fans also voiced their disappointment. “He always claims to represent Punjab, but in this moment, he has let all Punjabis and Indians down,” one comment read. Another said, “I used to be a fan. But now I’m ashamed. This is completely tone-deaf and insensitive.”
Sardaar Ji 3, which blends horror and comedy, is being released exclusively overseas, possibly to avoid the fallout within India where there is an ongoing unofficial ban on Pakistani artists. Still, the damage may already be done. As nationalism continues to be a strong emotional force in the public domain, especially during times of conflict, celebrities are increasingly being held accountable for their choices—on and off screen.
As of now, neither Diljit Dosanjh nor the team behind Border 2 has issued an official statement. But with online sentiments growing stronger each day, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact both Sardaar Ji 3’s international performance and Diljit’s role in Border 2—a film that, ironically, celebrates national pride.
By Sulagna Kar