Latest news with #Sardarji3
Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
After ‘Sardarji 3' row, spotlight now on ‘Chal Mera Putt 4' amid backlash over Pakistani actors
With the controversy over Sardarji 3 still simmering in India, all eyes are now on another major Punjabi film, Chal Mera Putt 4, which is slated for a worldwide release on August 1 and prominently features several Pakistani actors, including the now-controversial comedian Iftikhar Thakur. The row over Sardarji 3 erupted after Pakistani actress Hania Aamir was cast opposite Diljit Dosanjh. The film, which was set for release on June 27, has not been released in India so far but has reportedly opened to an overwhelming response in Pakistan and other overseas markets. While Dosanjh has received support from sections of Bollywood, a part of the Punjabi film fraternity, and even the Punjab BJP, there remains no clarity on whether Sardarji 3 will see an Indian release at all. Now, the upcoming Chal Mera Putt 4 is facing similar questions. The film franchise has long been known for its cross-border collaboration featuring popular Pakistani artists like Iftikhar Thakur, Nasir Chinyoti, and Akram Udas, who have become staples of its comedic storyline about Punjabis struggling abroad. The controversy took a serious turn after Iftikhar Thakur's provocative statements on May 2, following the Pahalgam terror attack. Appearing on a Pakistani talk show, Thakur warned India, saying, 'If you come through the air, you'll be blown away in the wind. If you come through the sea, you'll be drowned in water. If you come by land, you'll be buried.' His remarks triggered sharp criticism from Punjabi actors and filmmakers in India, who called for an immediate boycott of Pakistani actors in Punjabi cinema. The backlash gathered steam even as many in the Punjabi film industry maintained silence over Thakur's repeated jibes. In June, a video of Thakur further stoked anger when he claimed, 'We are the reason these films work. They have no right to boycott us… It is we who should boycott them. I have signed 16 of their films, and they have invested over ₹300 crore in me. They made nine films without casting us, and all nine were flops.' Punjabi filmmaker and writer Rakesh Dhawan, who penned the Chal Mera Putt series, had hit back sharply, 'Thakur, you cannot run your own household—how do you expect to run Punjabi cinema? Only the films you did with me became hits. The rest were all flops. Chal Mera Putt gave you a global identity,' Dhawan said. He added that while one more film with Thakur is already shot and must be released due to the producer's financial stake, he would have preferred to cut ties. Prominent actors have echoed similar sentiments. Binnu Dhillon in May had branded Thakur 'an enemy,' pledging never to work with him again. Gurpreet Ghuggi had said, 'Artists are supposed to build bridges, not walls. I don't think anyone in the Punjabi film industry will ever work with Pakistani actors now. He has shut the doors not just for himself, but for others too.' Following Thakur's repeated statements, calls to ban Pakistani actors from Indian Punjabi films have grown louder, particularly in the wake of the Sardarji 3 controversy, which also features Chinyoti. In Chal Mera Putt 4, Thakur, Chinyoti, and Udas play prominent roles as Chaudhary Shamsher, Tabrez, and Buta Khan, respectively, alongside Indian leads Amrinder Gill and Simi Chahal. The other Pakistani actors who have worked in previous sequels are Ruby Anam, Zafri Khan and Nasim Vicky. The franchise has historically found huge audiences on both sides of the border and among the global Punjabi diaspora. Earlier, behind-the-scenes videos shared by Gill, Thakur, and others in March showed the team shooting together, even celebrating Thakur's birthday on set. These hinted at the August 1 worldwide release, though no fresh statement has been issued by the makers since the controversy erupted. Interestingly, Udas has distanced himself from Thakur's statements. On June 12, Udas became the first Pakistani actor to publicly criticise Thakur, implicitly rebutting his remarks in a video statement—though he did not name Thakur directly, the context was clear. Scenes involving Pakistani actors in Indian Punjabi films are generally shot outside India and Pakistan, usually in the UK or Canada. Despite this workaround, many stakeholders now believe the future of such collaborations looks bleak. With the Sardarji 3 release in India still hanging in limbo, the fate of Chal Mera Putt 4 has become the next litmus test.
India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
US, China vie for influence in Pakistan, Outrage over Hindu woman's gang rape in Bangladesh
25:47 NewsTrack on India Today discusses the controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Sardarji 3' featuring a Pakistani actress. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah supports Diljit, stating he's not to blame for the casting. The film, shot before the Pahalgam terror attack, hasn't been released in India due to public sentiment. The debate centers on cultural ties with Pakistan amid tensions between the two nations.
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
'Mai Dilijit ke sath hun...'; Naseeruddin Shah reacts to hate against Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaar Ji 3, calls them…, asks them to visit…
Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir's film 'Sardarji 3' could not be released in India. Many organizations of the film industry had demanded a ban on its release in India. Many artists opposed Diljit, while many celebs including Javed Akhtar and Imtiaz Ali supported Diljit. Now another actor's name has been added to those supporting him. This actor's name is Naseeruddin Shah. He openly supported Diljit and called those opposing the film goons. Why Naseeruddin Shah shows support to Diljit Dosanjh Supporting Diljit, Naseeruddin Shah wrote on his Facebook, 'I stand firmly with Diljit. The dirty tricks department of the Jumla Party is looking for an opportunity to attack Diljit Dosanjh. They think they have finally got the chance. He was not responsible for the casting of the film, the director was responsible. But no one knows who he is…' Naseeruddin Shah calls protesters a… Naseeruddin Shah further said, 'While Diljit is known to the whole world, he agreed to be cast because he has no poison in his mind. What these goons want is to end personal communication between the people of India and Pakistan. I have close relatives and some dear friends there and no one can stop me from meeting them or sending them love whenever I feel like it.' Naseeruddin Shah reacts to trolls Naseeruddin Shah said, 'And those who say 'go to Pakistan', my answer to them is 'go to Kailasa'. Naseeruddin has already replied to the people trolling him in his post. Still he has become the target of people. A user wrote, 'Thanks for giving knowledge. His co-actress has spoken against India and the Indian Army, so the people of India have the right to boycott this film. Diljit is responsible for the statements he made. The producer and co-producer of the film also distanced themselves from Hania Aamir's statements. But Diljit had to become popular in Pakistan too, and he became popular, so why are you crying for him.'
India.com
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
'Censored before...'; Diljit Dosanjh drops cryptic post after netizens call for a ban on Sardar Ji 3 starring Pakistani actress Hania Amir
Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh is facing heavy criticism for working with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming film Sardarji 3. Actually, due to the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, netizens are trolling Diljit for casting a Pakistani actress in his film. Now Diljit Dosanjh has broken his silence. Diljit Dosanjh breaks silence on working with Hania? In an interview with Grammy President Panos A. Panay, Diljit did not directly mention the controversy surrounding Sardar Ji 3, but shared his views on art, peace, and borders. He said, 'Countries are at war, and we do not have control over these things. But I believe music is something that connects countries. I feel blessed to be a part of something that spreads love between countries.' He further said, 'I think we need to move beyond nations and focus on Mother Earth. All these borders are part of the same Mother Earth, and I am a part of that.' Diljit does not want to comment on political matters Diljit also clarified that he does not want to comment on political matters. He said, 'Politics is a different field, I do not want to make mistakes by speaking without thinking. But every moment is precious for me, and I want to live it to the fullest.' Take a look at Diljit Dosanjh's controversial story: Will Diljit Dosanjh be banned in India? After the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 starring Hania Aamir was released, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called for a complete ban on Diljit and all his projects in India. FWICE president BN Tiwari said, 'By working with a Pakistani actor, Diljit has hurt Indian sentiments. He has disrespected the sentiments of the nation and insulted the sacrifices of our brave soldiers. Giving preference to Pakistani talent over Indian artists raises serious questions on his loyalty and priorities.' Meanwhile, let us tell you that Sardar Ji 3 is going to be released outside India on June 27. This film is not being released in India; the makers have taken this decision in view of India-Pakistan tension.
India.com
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
BIG loss for Diljit Dosanjh as…; It's related to Pakistani actress Hania Aamir
BIG loss for Diljit Dosanjh as…; It's related to Pakistani actress Hania Aamir After the long anticipation, the return of Sardarji 3 was expected to create a stir amongst the Indian fans who were waiting to witness the on-screen chemistry of Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir. However, what was rather going to be a moment of celebration turned out to create a storm for Diljit and Hania's Indian fans, as this comedy action flick is banned from its release in India. Following the Pahalgam terror attack that happened in April 2025, the tension between India and Pakistan escalated. The aftermath of which resulted in banning cross-border collaboration as well as blocking several Pakistani celebrities' accounts in India. Now, Diljit's fan favourite sequel is also at the centre of this political angle. This wholesome film, which entails humour, drama and comedy, revolves around the plot of a ghost-hunting mission inside an eerie UK mansion. Diljit's character will be seen dealing with a restless spirit, and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir will be accompanying him in hunting ghosts. Whereas Neeru Bajwa will add a love triangle twist where both women would be seen fighting for Dijit's attention. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny the film a release certificate, since the film features a Pakistani cast – Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela. The film is also receiving backlash for featuring a Pakistani star cast. In light of the same, filmmakers decided to skip its release in India and now Sardarji 3 will only be released overseas on 27th June. In the recent past, Punjabi cinema has touched new heights, proving its viewership is not just limited regionally but also globally. Some recent blockbusters like Carry On Jatta 2, Qismat, Saunkan Saunkne, and Honsla Rakh are an epitome of this and have earned massively at the box office. Proving that Punjabi cinema is not just confined to its niche, Diljit's Sardarji 3 will face a substantial loss at the box office revenue. With the franchise already enjoying a strong Indian fan following, not releasing the film in India means missing out on a major share of its potential earnings and loyal audience base. Taking to Instagram, on Sunday, Diljit posted the trailer on Instagram, confirming that Sardaar Ji 3 would now only be released overseas on 27th June. He captioned the post with his usual witty flair: 'Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only / FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN'. Even the trailer has been geo-blocked in India on YouTube. Anyone trying to watch it from the country is greeted with a message that reads, 'The uploader has not made this video available in your country.' However, the teaser and songs from the film are still available to Indian viewers. Following the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Hania Aamir's account has also been blocked in India. Besides this, the teaser of the film didn't feature Hania Aamir, even though the Pakistani actress is a part of the trailer.
