The Punjabi entertainment industry finds itself at the center of a major controversy as acclaimed singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming film "Sardaar Ji 3" faces unprecedented backlash for featuring Pakistani actress Hania Amir in the lead role.

Film Faces Complete Ban in India

The highly anticipated third installment of the Sardaar Ji franchise, originally scheduled for a worldwide release, has been effectively banned from Indian theaters. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has declined to grant the film certification for Indian distribution, forcing producers to opt for an overseas-only release on June 27, 2025.

Industry Bodies Demand Complete Boycott

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called for a complete ban on Diljit Dosanjh and all his future projects in India. FWICE President BN Tiwari strongly criticized the decision to cast Pakistani actors, stating that filmmakers must "follow the laws of the country."

The BJP Chitrapat Kamgar Aghadi in Maharashtra has also demanded a complete boycott of the film, citing the presence of multiple Pakistani artists including Hania Amir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniyal Khaawar, and Saleem Albela.

Prominent Figures Join Criticism

Singer Mika Singh took to Instagram to strongly criticize the collaboration, calling Diljit Dosanjh a "fake singer" and demanding an apology. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit labeled Dosanjh a "compulsive, regular lawbreaker" and appealed to producer bodies to avoid casting him in future projects.

Diljit Dosanjh Breaks Silence

In his first public statement addressing the controversy, Diljit Dosanjh told BBC Asian Network that the film was completed before current political tensions arose. He emphasized that the project was undertaken during a different political climate, stating the situation was "theek" (fine) when filming began.

The controversy has intensified following the recent Pahlgam incident, which has strained India-Pakistan relations further. Critics argue that the timing of the film's release is particularly insensitive given current geopolitical tensions.

Hania Amir's Role Sparks Debate

Pakistani actress Hania Amir's casting has become the focal point of the controversy. The collaboration between the two stars was first teased when Amir made a surprise appearance at Dosanjh's concert in London, generating significant buzz among fans.

However, the political climate has overshadowed artistic collaboration, with many questioning the appropriateness of cross-border casting during heightened tensions.

Industry Support and Criticism

While facing widespread criticism, some industry voices have defended artistic collaboration. Punjab singer Jasbir Jassi pointed out the irony of the situation, noting that a significant portion of Indian music has Pakistani influences.

Actress Neeru Bajwa, who was initially part of the film's promotion, has reportedly removed all social media posts related to Sardaar Ji 3, indicating the growing pressure on industry professionals to distance themselves from the project.

Financial Implications and Future Prospects

The controversy has significant financial implications for the film's producers, who have invested substantially in the project. The decision to release the film only in overseas markets represents a major financial setback, as the Indian market constitutes a crucial revenue source for Punjabi cinema.

Public Reaction and Social Media Storm

Social media platforms have been flooded with mixed reactions, with hashtags related to the controversy trending across platforms. While some users support the artistic collaboration, others have called for complete boycotts of both stars' future projects.

The controversy has also reignited debates about the separation of art and politics, with industry observers questioning whether artistic collaborations should be viewed through a political lens.

Looking Ahead

As Sardaar Ji 3 prepares for its overseas release on June 27, 2025, the controversy highlights the complex relationship between entertainment and politics in South Asian cinema. The incident may set a precedent for future Indo-Pakistani collaborations in the entertainment industry.

The film's fate serves as a reminder of how quickly political tensions can impact artistic endeavors, potentially affecting the livelihoods of artists and crew members involved in such projects.

Industry experts suggest that this controversy might lead to more stringent guidelines for cross-border collaborations, fundamentally changing how Bollywood and regional cinema approach international partnerships.

The situation continues to evolve, with stakeholders on both sides of the border watching closely as the entertainment industry navigates these challenging waters.