Two months have passed since the April 22, 2025, terrorist assault in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed many lives. Diljit Dosanjh, a Punjabi singer-actor, is under fire for starring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his next Punjabi movie, Sardaar Ji 3. The horror-comedy movie will make its international premiere on Friday, June 27, avoiding a theatre release in India, seemingly in an effort to prevent domestic criticism.
Background: The Pahalgam Attack’s aftermath
As part of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces launched air missile strikes against nine terror facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, 2025, in retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Diljit Dosanjh
What’s taking place:
Due to his decision to cast Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, Diljit Dosanjh is receiving a lot of social media trolling. “Sardaar Ji 3 releasing overseas on June 27 — only for those who bring the vibe!” Dosanjh captioned the trailer he shared on Instagram Sunday night with an energetic message for fans. With the message “Sohni Lagdi – song dropping tomorrow”, his team also shared a link to the song, which features Dosanjh and Hania. @haniaheheofficial x Diljit.
On YouTube India, the trailer displays a message stating, “This video isn’t available in your country, as restricted by the uploader.” However, the music videos and teaser are still available. Hania Aamir was noticeably absent from the initial teaser. Neeru Bajwa, a veteran Punjabi actress, also appears in the movie.
What Caused the Outcry Against Hania Aamir’s Casting?
Following the terror attack in April, India disabled the Instagram accounts of a number of Pakistani celebrities, including Ali Zafar, Sanam Saeed, Mahira Khan, and Hania Aamir, on “legal requests”.
The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has prohibited Pakistani actors from appearing in Indian films after the 2016 Uri strikes, so this is nothing new. A number of Indian cinema organisations, such as the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), reiterated their opposition to Pakistani artists following the Pahalgam event in 2025. In addition, Hania Aamir faced backlash for her anti-Indian statements following Operation Sindoor, which heightened public ire. Diljit Dosanjh
What Do Fans Have to Say?
Numerous admirers of Dosanjh have vented their dissatisfaction online: Hania Aamir insulted our nation during Operation Sindoor. She and certain other celebrities should be banned from the industry altogether. One user on X (previously Twitter) commented, “Before giving them views and reach, think twice.”
A boycott was demanded by another:
So Hania Aamir, the actress who referred to Operation Sindoor as “horrific”, appears in a trailer released by Diljit? Not indignant? Not a boycott? Feelings only? What if the roles were switched? The true problem is this selective anger. Disgraceful. #HaniaAamir #DiljitDosanjh #SardaarJi3 Her role in Sardaar Ji 3 was deemed “utterly disgraceful” by one user.
Every proud Indian feels insulted by Hani Aamir’s deceit and Diljit’s connection with a Pakistani actress after Operation Sindoor. #India #BoycottDiljit #BanPakArtists Initially these so-called “stars” spit on the sacrifice made by our military for our sake in order to gain short-term notoriety. It’s time to unite—anti-national ambitions will not be tolerated. “Jai Hind!”
Diljit Dosanjh Additionally, some admirers expressed their annoyance in Dosanjh’s Instagram postings’ comments area. Some, however, commended his audacity and creative independence.
The Dosanjh-Aamir Relationship
Diljit Dosanjh Their relationship dates back to October of last year, when Hania Aamir and her friends went to London to see Diljit perform on his Dil-Luminati Tour. Fans on social media circulated clips of Dosanjh inviting Hania Aamir on stage at the O2 Arena and dedicating his hit track “Lover” to her during the performance. A few days following the performance, Hania posted a touching message on Instagram, showcasing her respect for Dosanjh and including pictures:
“Main ni hona ni recover. She wrote, “What a night!” in reference to the song “Lover”. It was enchanted. Soul, love, and respect. pure. From the heart. How many times can you win our hearts, @diljitdosanjh sir? So much affection. I feel extremely privileged to have met such kind people. genuinely remarkable. Thank you for the warmth, @sonalisingh. A heartfelt thanks to @kreposit for perfectly preserving these cherished memories. (sic)
In conclusion
Diljit Dosanjh has come under fire for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3. The movie will be released outside but won’t be played in Indian theatres. The move comes after calls to ban Pakistani performers following the Pahalgam incident and Operation Sindoor. Controversy is nothing new to Dosanjh; he has not yet released Punjab 95, his biography about human rights leader Jaswant Singh Khalra Diljit Dosanjh