“Sardaar Ji 3 releasing 27th June overseas only. Fadh lao bhoond dian lattan,” Dosanjh posted on Instagram, as if brushing off the backlash with his signature cool. Hania Aamir followed up by sharing the trailer to her Instagram stories with the caption, “Pindi boys agaye oye!”
When the trailer for Sardaar Ji 3 dropped on Sunday, it wasn’t just the confirmation of Hania Aamir’s leading role that made waves — it was also Diljit Dosanjh’s calm, unapologetic promotion of the film despite political controversy.
The trailer release ended weeks of speculation surrounding Aamir’s involvement. There had been widespread reports that Indian film authorities were pressuring the filmmakers to cut Pakistani actors from the project due to recent tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the film’s release in India, citing the participation of Pakistani actors including Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Saleem Albela, and Daniel Khawar.
But instead of altering the cast or bowing to demands, the producers made a strategic pivot — the film will not release in India at all. It will screen exclusively overseas, where a global Punjabi-speaking audience awaits.
This move follows a familiar pattern seen in Indian media since the Uri and Balakot incidents, where bans on Pakistani talent have become more frequent. Most recently, Pakistani music was pulled from Spotify India and OTT platforms, and several Pakistani celebrities saw their Instagram accounts geo-restricted in India.
Despite the rising hostility, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 stuck to their original plan. The trailer showcases Hania Aamir in a full-fledged lead role, ghost-hunting beside Diljit in a haunted UK castle — no edits, no compromises.
What makes the decision even more notable is that neither Diljit nor Hania issued any public statements during the uproar. Instead, the film’s trailer and promotional material did all the talking. The silence was strategic, and possibly more powerful than any direct response.
Hania’s presence in the trailer also counters earlier speculation that she had been dropped after being absent from initial posters and teasers. A behind-the-scenes photo shared by Diljit earlier this month had hinted at her continued role, but the confirmation only came with the full trailer.
In recent years, the Indian film industry has often relied on the creative input of Pakistani artists — particularly singers and composers — only to later disassociate from them during political crises. While Pakistani songs continue to be remade and used in Bollywood films, the appearance of a Pakistani actor remains a flashpoint.
With Sardaar Ji 3, Diljit Dosanjh has made a clear choice: to prioritize his creative vision and global audience over national politics. And in doing so, he’s sent a message — even without saying much at all.
His decision to keep the film intact and take it to the diaspora reflects his dual identity as both a Bollywood star and a Punjabi icon who has successfully carved out an independent global career.
In today’s politically charged climate, simply choosing to move forward with a cross-border collaboration can be seen as a bold act. As one fan commented online, the film’s overseas release is not just a workaround — “It’s a power move.”