A section of social media users has expressed outrage over the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in the upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh, amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
The backlash erupted after the film’s trailer was released, with several Reddit users criticizing Diljit for working with a Pakistani artist following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor by the Indian Army.
A Reddit post titled “Guts” sparked heated debate, with one user commenting, “Never spoke a word during the war… now we know why. I liked him, but the opinion is now changing.” Another wrote, “Never liked him, never will. Disgusted by him.”
Some comments went further, accusing the singer-actor of having separatist leanings. “So all the allegations against him being a separatist are kind of true, I feel. What a shameless person he is,” read one post.
While a few defended the film’s decision to retain Hania due to her major role, others claimed the project wouldn’t attract as much attention since it’s not a mainstream Bollywood release. “Not a Bollywood film so likely won’t face much scrutiny,” one user noted.
Background on India-Pakistan Tensions
The controversy comes in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to target terrorist infrastructure across the border. Although tensions escalated in the following days, both nations have since agreed to cease military operations.
Hania Aamir’s inclusion in Sardaar Ji 3 particularly angered some netizens because she had previously appeared on stage with Diljit at his 2023 concert at London’s O2 Arena, where the two shared light-hearted interactions.
About Sardaar Ji 3
Directed by Amar Hundal, Sardaar Ji 3 follows the story of two ghost hunters—played by Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir—tasked with exorcising a spirit from a mansion in the UK. The film also stars Manav Vij, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, and Sapna Pabbi in key roles.
Diljit shared the trailer on Instagram with the caption: “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only. FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.”
The film is set for an overseas-only release on June 27.
