June 22, 2025: Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has landed in controversy after the trailer of his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3 revealed the inclusion of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a lead role. The move has sparked sharp reactions on social media, particularly on Reddit, where some users have expressed outrage over the cross-border casting amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
The backlash comes shortly after recent violent escalations, including the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that claimed 26 lives, followed by India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor on May 7. Though a ceasefire has since been agreed upon, the cultural and political tensions remain high.
Online Outrage
Reddit threads under titles like “Guts” have seen a surge of angry comments directed at Diljit. One user wrote, “Never spoke a word during the war… now we know why.” Others labeled him “shameless,” and accused him of being “anti-national” or even a “separatist.”
Another comment read: “Honestly, I don’t think Diljit holds any affinity and love towards India, so I really don’t expect him to be pro-India.”
Critics particularly took issue with the film’s timing and its promotional strategy, suggesting it was insensitive to current geopolitical realities.
About Sardaar Ji 3
Directed by Amar Hundal, Sardaar Ji 3 stars Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir as ghost hunters tackling paranormal forces in a haunted UK mansion. The film also features Manav Vij, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, and Sapna Pabbi.
Notably, the film is set for an overseas-only release on June 27, avoiding Indian theatrical release—something many online believe is a strategic decision to minimize domestic backlash.
In a recent Instagram post promoting the film, Diljit captioned the trailer:
“Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only. FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.”
A Look at Their Association
The casting controversy is also drawing attention to Diljit and Hania’s public interaction last year, when she was invited on stage during his London O2 Arena concert. While fans had previously praised their camaraderie, the association is now being reinterpreted under a more critical lens.
Industry Response
While no official statement has been made by Diljit or the filmmakers, insiders suggest that because Sardaar Ji 3 is not a mainstream Bollywood production, it may avoid the intense scrutiny often faced by Hindi films. Nonetheless, public sentiment could impact the film’s reception among overseas Indian audiences, particularly in politically sensitive diasporas.