Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor, the entertainment industry has found itself at the center of controversy. Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh is facing heavy criticism for casting Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, drawing strong backlash from Indian film bodies and a wave of online outrage.
On Monday, Diljit unveiled the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 on social media, confirming Hania’s prominent role. However, the timing of the release has intensified criticism. While the trailer is currently geo-blocked in India and the film is not scheduled for release in the country, the involvement of a Pakistani actor has ignited nationalist sentiments, triggering widespread calls for a boycott.
Industry Bodies React Strongly
Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), condemned the decision. Speaking to the media, he said, “We had earlier sent a letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and they refused to issue a certificate. I also came across Hania’s tweets during Operation Sindoor. We intend to take further steps and urge the producers to cut ties with Diljit. He should be completely boycotted by music labels and the Punjabi film industry. Diljit seems to have a persistent fondness for Pakistan.”
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Art and Politics Collide
The situation has reignited debates about whether art should remain separate from politics. While many advocate for cultural exchange regardless of geopolitical climate, recent events underscore how deeply intertwined creative collaboration and national identity have become.
For Diljit Dosanjh, widely loved for his work in music and cinema, the backlash presents a serious challenge. The uproar not only threatens the reception of Sardaar Ji 3 but could also jeopardize his standing within the Indian entertainment industry if calls for an industry-wide boycott gain further traction.
As nationalistic fervor continues to rise, Sardaar Ji 3 has transcended its cinematic identity, emerging as a focal point in the broader conversation on patriotism, cross-border engagement, and the fine line between cultural openness and national loyalty.
