Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3 is set to release exclusively in international markets amid growing backlash and boycott calls in India over the inclusion of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the cast.
The third in Dosanjh's lucrative horror-comedy series will release overseas on 27th June. Confirming the news on Instagram, Dosanjh penned: "'Sardaar Ji 3' Releasing 27th June overseas only. Fadh Lao Bhoond Dian Lattan."
The choice of Aamir has been vociferously condemned, but most notably by the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), which released a scathing statement denouncing the move amidst recent geopolitical tensions.
"Even after being aware of the recent barbaric terrorist strike in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 innocent Indian lives were taken by Pakistani-backed terrorists, Diljit Dosanjh has surprisingly opted to cast a Pakistani artist," AICWA stated.
The association mentioned that while the entire nation—transcending political boundaries and communities—was together in mourning and condemnation at that time, the casting decision sends a discouraging message.
This move has been made at a time when the whole country—140 crore Indians, the government, opposition, and citizens from all walks of life—are patriotic against Pakistan and in solidarity with the martyrs' families," the statement further added.
As per AICWA, the decision is an indication of Dosanjh's lack of sense of national responsibility. "His choice of Pakistani artists over Indian artists raises certain doubts about his allegiance and priorities," the group stated, condemning him for showing disregard to public opinion and the sacrifice made by Indian civilians and security personnel.
The row has carried over to social media, where users have expressed outrage and demanded a boycott. Responses below Dosanjh's promotional tweets varied from straightforward "Boycott" messages to more inflamed reactions such as "Diljit Dosanjh is a traitor" and "Country first, boycott @diljitdosanjh @teamdiljitglobal."
The India-Pakistan tension was rekindled after a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that left 26 dead. Retaliating against this, Indian forces launched a military strike—codenamed Operation Sindoor—on May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Following the attack, some Pakistani celebrities were digitally censored by India. Social media accounts of Hania Aamir, Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan were blocked for Indian users. Simultaneously, the romantic movie Abir Gulaal, featuring Fawad Khan, was banned from being released in Indian theaters.
Under Amar Hundal's direction, Sardaar Ji 3 is being produced by Gunbir Singh Sidhu and Manmord Sidhu of White Hill Studios, along with Story Time Productions.
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