Diljit Dosanjh breaks his silence on working with Hania Aamir in Sardaarji 3 and skipping India release: 'When this film was made, everything was fine...'

Time of India

4 days ago

Diljit Dosanjh addressed backlash for casting Hania Aamir in 'Sardaarji 3' after a renewed ban on Pakistani artists. The film, shot before recent India-Pakistan tensions, will release overseas only. Diljit defended his decision, citing the situation at the time of filming and respecting Hania's professionalism, while FWICE has condemned the collaboration and threatened a ban on future projects.
Diljit Dosanjh
has finally addressed the growing backlash over casting Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in Sardaarji 3, following a renewed ban on Pakistani artistes in India after the
Pahalgam terror attack
. With the film set for an overseas-only release, the actor opened up about the controversy and his stance on the matter.
In conversation with BBC Asian Network, Diljit explained that Sardaarji 3 was filmed back in February, at a time when the situation between India and Pakistan was stable. However, due to recent developments beyond their control, including the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the producers decided against releasing the film in India.
Instead, they opted for an international release to minimise losses, as significant investment had already gone into the project.
Diljit added that when he signed the film, there were no tensions, and he supports the producers' decision given the current circumstances.
Speaking about his experience working with Hania, Diljit said she was highly professional and that he respects both her work and privacy. Being a private person himself, he shared that their interactions on set were respectful and limited strictly to work-related conversations.
After the release of the Sardaarji 3 trailer, the singer-actor faced criticism and boycott calls for working with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) condemned the collaboration, with President BN Tiwari stating that Diljit's choice disrespects national sentiments and the sacrifices of Indian soldiers, raising questions about his loyalty.
BN Tiwari further stated that while Sardaarji 3 is currently set for an overseas release, FWICE will impose a strict ban if any plans for an Indian release emerge.
He emphasized that Diljit Dosanjh's collaboration with a Pakistani actor is unacceptable and announced a call for a complete boycott of all upcoming films, songs, and projects involving both Diljit and the film's producers. A formal letter regarding the ban is also being issued.
Sardaar Ji 3 features Diljit Dosanjh alongside Hania Aamir and Neeru Bajwa, with Manav Vij, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, and Sapna Pabbi in pivotal roles. The film follows Diljit's character, a ghost hunter, who teams up with Hania's character to remove a spirit from a mansion in the UK. It is set to release internationally on 27 June.