Sardaar Ji 3 Hania Aamir Controversy, The third installment of the blockbuster Punjabi franchise Sardaar Ji, starring Diljit Dosanjh, has found itself at the center of a firestorm. The controversy erupted after the trailer for Sardaar Ji 3 revealed that Pakistani actress Hania Aamir had been cast opposite Diljit Dosanjh. The move triggered massive backlash in India, especially following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025.
Gunbir Singh Sidhu, producer and Managing Director of White Hill Studios, recently addressed the situation, confirming that the film will not be released in India and acknowledging a staggering 40% expected loss in revenue due to the ban. In a detailed interview with NDTV, Sidhu opened up about the decision to cast Hania Aamir, the criticism from Indian film associations, and the financial toll of the ongoing controversy.
Why Hania Aamir Was Cast in Sardaar Ji 3
Gunbir Singh Sidhu clarified that the movie was shot in February March 2025 in the UK, a time when diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan had not yet deteriorated.
At the time of shooting, the situation between India and Pakistan was normal. There were no restrictions, no warnings from the Indian government or film bodies. Everything was proceeding as usual, said Sidhu.
Sidhu stressed that the casting decision wasn’t politically motivated. The team selected Hania Aamir purely based on her talent and suitability for the role.
Aftermath of the Pahalgam Terror Attack
Following the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 innocent civilians, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply. This prompted several Indian film associations, including FWICE and IMPPA, to issue statements condemning the inclusion of a Pakistani actress.
Acknowledging the sensitivities involved, Sidhu said:
We were heartbroken by the Pahalgam attack. As a mark of respect, we decided not to release Sardaar Ji 3 in India. We didn’t even upload the trailer on YouTube India or conduct any promotions here.
The move, while ethically considerate, came at a heavy financial cost.
Revenue Loss Estimated at 40%
Sidhu revealed that Sardaar Ji 3 would potentially lose 40% of its total revenue due to the absence of an Indian theatrical release.
Jatt and Juliet 3 earned ₹100 crore globally ₹40 crore came from India and ₹60 crore from overseas. Based on those numbers, we’re expecting a similar scale of loss with Sardaar Ji 3, he explained.
This marks one of the biggest financial hits a Punjabi film has taken due to geopolitical controversy.
The Pakistan Release Angle
Interestingly, despite an official ban on Indian films in Pakistan, Sardaar Ji 3 is being released there. The reason? One of the producers, Zain Wali, and a distributor, Salim Shahzad, are both Pakistani nationals.
Nadeem Mandviwala, a prominent Pakistani film exhibitor, confirmed the development:
The censor board approved Sardaar Ji 3 because it is being positioned as an international Punjabi film, not an Indian one. Provinces like Sindh and Punjab in Pakistan have cleared it for release.
Still, the main producers, White Hill Studios and Story Time Productions, have not publicly confirmed or promoted the Pakistani release.
Diljit Dosanjh Reacts
Superstar Diljit Dosanjh also broke his silence in an interview with BBC Asian Network. He emphasized that the film was made under normal circumstances and that the team had no way of predicting the future events that unfolded.
We shot the film in February when everything was fine. Later, unfortunate incidents occurred that were beyond anyone’s control. The decision not to release the film in India was made out of respect, said Diljit.
Criticism Over Past Casting Decisions
Many critics are questioning why the Punjabi film industry continues to cast Pakistani actors, especially after repeated warnings from Indian film bodies. Sidhu responded to this by pointing out that many such films have successfully received censor board clearance.
If there had been a consistent ban, how did films like Abir Gulaal featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor get past the censor board? The board itself is a government institution. So the narrative that there’s always been a ban isn’t accurate,” he clarified.
Sidhu Condemns Anti-India Comments by Pakistani Actors
In light of recent anti-India social media posts made by Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan after India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, Sidhu expressed disapproval.
They should not have made those statements. It was below the belt. I won’t comment further, but as an Indian, I do not support such actions, he said.
A Film Overshadowed by Politics
Sardaar Ji 3 was expected to be a major box office success, particularly riding on the popularity of Diljit Dosanjh and the success of its prequels. However, the film’s journey has been deeply affected by political sensitivities, cross-border tensions, and public sentiment.
While the film might do well overseas particularly in North America, the UK, and Canada its performance in India is non-existent due to the voluntary ban by the producers.
Despite the financial setback, Sidhu’s decision to prioritize national sentiment over box office profits has received quiet support from many in the Indian film community.
As politics and cinema continue to collide, Sardaar Ji 3 serves as a sobering reminder of the fragile relationship between art and the times it is created in.
For the full scoop and in-depth analysis, read the complete report on Sardaar Ji 3 Hania Aamir Controversy www.ndtv.com
