Pakistani actor Hania Aamir is all set to make her Indian film debut with Sardaar Ji 3, the latest installment of the hit Punjabi rom-com franchise. Starring alongside global Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, her casting has sparked both excitement and controversy. The film, however, will not see a theatrical release in India due to renewed political tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.
The debate began after the tragic Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in April, which left dozens dead. In response, several Indian film associations demanded a complete boycott of Pakistani artists, pressuring the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the release. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Film Federation of India specifically objected to Aamir’s involvement, despite the fact that shooting had wrapped earlier in a far more stable climate.
Diljit Dosanjh, however, has stood firmly by his co-star. Speaking to BBC Asian Network, the singer-actor addressed the situation with calm dignity. “When the film was being made, the situation was okay. When I signed the film, everything was okay,” he explained. According to him, the producers decided to skip the Indian release to prevent financial losses amid calls for a boycott. Despite the setback, Sardaar Ji 3 will be released internationally on June 27, with Dosanjh urging fans abroad not to miss it.
What makes this episode especially significant is Dosanjh’s open admiration for Hania Aamir’s professionalism. He described her as a respectful and hardworking colleague who maintained a positive presence on set. “We didn’t have much time together,” he admitted, “but she was very professional. We had a great experience on set.” His words offered a rare moment of solidarity across borders, especially when Pakistani stars often find themselves caught in the crossfire of politics.
The controversy also highlights a larger issue: the increasing difficulty of cross-border cultural exchange between India and Pakistan. Over the years, several Pakistani actors and musicians—Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, and Atif Aslam among them—have faced bans and censorship despite their immense popularity with Indian audiences. Streaming platforms, music apps, and even Instagram have restricted access to Pakistani artists in India following legal orders. This shrinking space for collaboration reflects the rise of nationalism on both sides, often at the expense of art and creativity.
Yet, Dosanjh’s career demonstrates that culture cannot be confined by borders. From headlining Coachella to appearing on The Tonight Show and entering into the Met Gala carpet, he has carried Punjabi identity to the global stage. His insistence on keeping Punjabi elements—like the dhol—at the heart of his music shows his dedication to cultural authenticity, even when performing for an international audience.
Hania Aamir’s debut may not reach Indian cinemas, but her presence in Sardaar Ji 3 represents a meaningful step in South Asian storytelling. It proves that talent and artistry can still bring people together, even when politics seeks to drive them apart. Dosanjh’s support, coupled with Aamir’s resilience, offers a reminder that cinema remains a bridge—fragile but powerful—between divided nations.