'Shameless, Insensitive': Diljit Dosanjh Faces Backlash After Sharing Sardaar Ji 3 Trailer Featuring Pakistani Actress Hania Aamir

Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has landed in hot water after unveiling the trailer of his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the lead role. Hania's presence in the trailer and Diljit's collaboration with her has sparked outrage online, with netizens calling him 'insensitive' and 'shameless,' especially in light of ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists, Pakistani celebrities have been banned from working in India. Their social media accounts have also been banned.

It may be mentioned that while the film was shot before the Pahalgam attack, the timing of Diljit releasing the trailer has drawn criticism. Also, Sardaar Ji 3 will not see a theatrical release in India. Instead, the film is set to release overseas on June 27, a decision reportedly taken to avoid regulatory and public backlash.

The trailer was unveiled on Sunday (June 22). Diljit shared it on his official Instagram account with the caption, "Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only 🌍 FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN."

Reacting to the trailer, an X user wrote, "Diljit Dosanjh's depravity to release a movie with Pakistani Hania Amir who called Operation Sindoor and India cowardly is purely sinister and sadistic. GOI should investigate this Kh*listani."

Another wrote, "This is such insensitive behaviour by #DiljitDosanjh & his team! While the Government of India has banned all Pakistani artists and their social media presence, Diljit has gone ahead and dropped a collaboration with #HaniaAamir through the song #SohniLagdi just a month after #OperationSindoor. 🇮🇳 On one hand, he’s taking a stand that goes against the sentiments of the nation 🇮🇳 , and on the other, he’s starring in a patriotic film like #Border2. What a hypocritical move."

"While Pakistani actors are strictly banned in India, Diljit Dosanjh is set to release a film featuring Hania Aamir in the lead role. Shame on you @diljitdosanjh," wrote another angry user.

Take a look at some other reactions here:

Hania's presence in the trailer became even more controversial after she allegedly made anti-India remarks in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory mission carried out by Indian forces on May 7, targetting nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had, on June 11, urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to withhold certification for the film owing to the inclusion of multiple Pakistani artists, including Hania. It is believed this appeal influenced the makers' decision to skip the Indian release.

Interestingly, while the teaser and songs from Sardaar Ji 3 are still accessible to Indian users, the trailer has been geo-restricted on YouTube, likely due to Hania's visible role in it.