Diljit Breaks Silence with Smile as Sardaar Ji 3 Sparks Industry Storm

News Desk

Mumbai: Indian singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh made his first public appearance in India on Monday, weeks after facing intense backlash over his cross-border film Sardaar Ji 3. The actor was spotted at Mumbai airport, where he received a warm welcome from paparazzi despite the controversy surrounding his latest project.

In a video that quickly went viral on social media, particularly on Instagram, Diljit was seen exiting the terminal wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans, and his signature red turban. He greeted the photographers with folded hands, a gentle smile, and a wave before entering his car—choosing not to pose for photos but acknowledging the media with quiet dignity.

Return Linked to ‘Border 2’ Shoot

Diljit’s brief but significant appearance marks his return to India following the overseas release of Sardaar Ji 3 on June 27. The film was not released in Indian cinemas due to rising India-Pakistan tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

According to Indian media reports, the actor has returned to begin filming Border 2, the sequel to the iconic 1997 war drama Border. The upcoming film is being directed by Anurag Singh and stars Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty. It is being produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishna Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta under the T-Series and JP Films banners.

Scheduled for a Republic Day weekend release on January 23, 2026, Diljit had previously teased his involvement in Border 2 through Instagram reels, also hinting at work on another project, No Entry 2.

Industry Backlash Over Sardaar Ji 3

Diljit Dosanjh became the focal point of industry controversy when the trailer for Sardaar Ji 3 revealed Pakistani actress Hania Aamir as the lead. In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, Indian film bodies reaffirmed an unofficial ban on Pakistani talent in Indian productions, leading to boycott calls and demands to drop Diljit from upcoming Bollywood projects.

In response to mounting pressure, the film’s producers chose not to release Sardaar Ji 3 in India. Nevertheless, the film earned over ₹11 crore globally in its opening weekend, with Pakistan emerging as the film’s strongest market.

Diljit later posted videos showcasing packed theatres and enthusiastic audiences in Pakistan, a move that further fueled criticism from hardline elements within India.

Neeru Bajwa Unfollows Hania Aamir

Adding to the controversy, popular Punjabi actress Neeru Bajwa unfollowed Hania Aamir on social media amid the film’s release—further sparking speculation about tensions within the film fraternity.

Despite the ongoing backlash, Diljit’s return signals that he is moving ahead with his film commitments. Whether the controversy will continue to shadow his future projects remains to be seen.