Diljit Faces Industry Ban in India Over ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Controversy
News Desk
Islamabad: Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3 has stirred controversy just days before its scheduled international release on June 27. The film, co-starring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir alongside Diljit and Neeru Bajwa, is drawing heavy criticism from Indian fans and cinema industry bodies.
The backlash comes in the wake of rising India-Pakistan tensions following the deadly April attack in India-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. In response to the incident and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has taken a strong stance against the film.
BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, told India Today that the organization plans to issue an official directive banning Diljit Dosanjh and the producers of Sardaar Ji 3 from releasing any films in India.
“None of their films or projects will be permitted in India,” Tiwari stated. “The Indian film industry stands united in this decision. A formal statement will be released later today.” According to FWICE, the move aligns with the industry’s ban on Pakistani artists following the Pahalgam incident.
On June 22, Diljit shared the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 on Instagram, revealing that the film would not be released in India but instead launch “OVERSEAS Only.”
He captioned the post: “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only/ FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN (sic).” The trailer has since been geo-blocked on YouTube for viewers in India.
Public outcry grew further after it was revealed that several other Pakistani artists—including Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela—were also part of the film’s cast. FWICE reiterated its firm position against any collaboration with Pakistani talent, especially in light of recent hostilities.
Tiwari also issued a stern warning to Diljit Dosanjh:
“If Diljit or any other artist continues down this path, action will not just be taken against their films, but against them personally. They’ll be labeled non-cooperative. There’s no place for traitors. The industry cannot support those who act against the nation’s interest. We’re identifying multiple names. Anyone not aligned with national interest will be removed from the industry.”
This controversy now casts uncertainty over Dosanjh’s upcoming Bollywood project, Border 2, which may also be affected.
In response to the backlash, Sardaar Ji 3 producer Gunbir Singh Sindhu clarified that the film was completed before the latest India-Pakistan tensions.
“The movie was shot well before the conflict began. Given the sensitivity of the situation, we’ve decided not to release the film in India,” Sindhu said.
This isn’t the first time FWICE has stepped in. The organization recently banned Abir Gulaal, a film marking Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s planned return to Indian cinema after nearly a decade.
Despite the controversy, Sardaar Ji 3 will proceed with its overseas release on June 27, with no intentions for an Indian release.
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