Controversy Surrounds ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Over Cross-Border Casting
The upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, starring Indian actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, has sparked controversy within India’s entertainment industry. Two major film worker associations — the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) — have raised objections to the casting and threatened a professional boycott.
Industry Bodies React
Both AICWA and FWICE have voiced strong disapproval over the inclusion of a Pakistani artist in the film. In official statements, the groups criticized the filmmakers for collaborating with foreign talent at a time of heightened political tensions. While Sardaar Ji 3 is not scheduled for a domestic release in India and is expected to premiere overseas only, the controversy continues to gain traction.
According to Gunbir Singh Sidhu, the film’s producer, Sardaar Ji 3 was completed before recent geopolitical developments and is being released exclusively in international markets.
Despite this clarification, AICWA has issued a public statement condemning the decision to cast a Pakistani actor. It urged film producers, distributors, and industry stakeholders to refrain from collaborating with Dosanjh and the film’s production team in future projects.
Statements and Reactions
AICWA claimed the film’s release and casting choices are “insensitive” during a period of national grief and alleged that working with Pakistani talent could hurt public sentiment. The statement referenced recent incidents at the border and framed the casting as out of step with current public sentiment.
In a separate response, FWICE president BN Tiwari also expressed disappointment, calling for a broader industry-wide ban on projects involving Dosanjh and the producers of Sardaar Ji 3. FWICE criticized what it described as a violation of an informal industry consensus against cross-border collaborations.
Political Commentary
Ashok Pandit, president of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association, also weighed in. In an interview, he expressed concern over repeated collaborations with Pakistani artists and called for stricter adherence to national sentiment in entertainment partnerships.
The associations have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for intervention and have called on OTT platforms, exhibitors, and music labels to avoid supporting the film or its talent.
Support From Across the Border
Meanwhile, several Pakistani celebrities have come out in support of Hania Aamir, emphasizing the belief that art and culture should rise above political divides. Notable names in the Pakistani entertainment industry, including Zara Noor Abbas and Anoushey Ashraf, shared messages encouraging peaceful cultural exchange and discouraged politicizing artistic work.
Film Release and Social Media
Despite the ongoing backlash, Sardaar Ji 3 continues to move forward with its overseas release. The film’s trailer was recently shared by Dosanjh on his social media accounts without any public comment addressing the controversy.
The trailer confirmed the inclusion of other Pakistani actors such as Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela, alongside Hania Aamir, in what appears to be a lighthearted horror-comedy.
Conclusion
While the film has stirred strong reactions in parts of the Indian film industry, it also highlights ongoing discussions about the intersection of art, politics, and cross-border collaboration. As of now, Sardaar Ji 3 remains set for international audiences only, and the situation continues to evolve.
