In the lead-up to the release of his next film Sardaar Ji 3, singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh is being hit with a wave of social media criticism, with people calling for a boycott on account of the presence of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the cast.
Directed by Amar Hundal, Sardaar Ji 3 is the third film in the successful Punjabi horror-comedy series. Gunbir Singh Sidhu and Manmord Sidhu have produced the movie under the banners of White Hill Studios and Story Time Productions.
Diljit launched the trailer of the film on Instagram on Sunday night, announcing that Sardaar Ji 3, which was supposed to have a global release, will now release only internationally on June 27.
"'Sardaar Ji 3' Releasing 27th June overseas only. Fadh Lao Bhoond Dian Lattan," he wrote along with the post.
But the news invited acid spat. Some of the social media users were outraged at Diljit's partnership with a Pakistani artist, particularly after the April Pahalgam terror attack killed 26 civilians and ignited tensions between India and Pakistan.
"Boycott," wrote one.
"Diljit Dosanjh is a traitor," said another.
"Country first, boycott @diljitdosanjh @teamdiljitglobal," added a third.
Following the incident at Pahalgam, India has enforced a ban on the presence of Pakistani artists. Social media profiles of top Pakistani celebrities such as Hania Aamir, Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan have been reportedly blocked in India.
The political tensions have also impacted movie releases. Fawad Khan's movie Abir Gulaal, in which Vaani Kapoor stars, was to be released in May but did not get the clearance for Indian distribution.
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