Diljit Dosanjh ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Not Allowed To Release In India, To Hit Screen Abroad This Week
By Tanveer Zaidi (Actor-Author-Educationist)
Global music and film icon Diljit Dosanjh has unexpectedly landed at the heart of controversy due to the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming Punjabi film, Sardaar Ji 3.
While the film is slated for an overseas release on June 27, its theatrical debut in India has been blocked by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which has withheld certification.
Though the CBFC has not offered an official explanation, the reason appears self-evident — the inclusion of a Pakistani actress in the film, particularly in light of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam in April, which claimed 26 lives.
The tragic incident has heightened sensitivities, and Hania Aamir’s involvement has seemingly drawn scrutiny from the certification body.
With the Indian release in limbo, the film’s producers have chosen not to wait further and are moving ahead with its international release, especially given Diljit’s strong global appeal.
His Punjabi films have consistently performed well overseas, and Sardaar Ji 3 is expected to follow suit. Revenue streams like music rights, UK subsidies, and diaspora ticket sales could potentially cover the film’s costs even without a domestic release.
However, the situation has further escalated with the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) openly opposing even the overseas release. The association’s hardline stance — including threats and calls for a blanket ban — has drawn criticism for its immaturity and lack of perspective.
It’s one thing for critics or political voices to oppose a film, but for a film industry body itself to seek a worldwide ban on a movie — especially one led by an artist of Diljit’s stature — is both surprising and concerning.
The AICWA seems to ignore a critical fact: The film was likely completed before the Pahalgam attack occurred. Can producers be expected to predict future geopolitical events when casting or filming?
Should all the hard work, money, and artistic labour that went into a film be nullified because of events entirely beyond their control?
Such emotionally driven, irrational reactions are disappointing, particularly when they come from within the film community.
The AICWA, an organisation meant to protect the rights and welfare of film workers and artists, seems to be turning against its own. Their threat to prevent anyone from working with Diljit Dosanjh going forward is not only unjustified but utterly nonsensical.
This is Diljit Dosanjh we’re talking about — a cultural ambassador for India, who has elevated Punjabi music and cinema onto the global stage.
Whether through his record-breaking performances in Punjabi films, his groundbreaking concert at Coachella (making him the first Punjabi artist to perform there), or his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Diljit has championed Indian and Punjabi culture worldwide.
His journey from chart-topping albums like Smile (2005) and Chocolate (2008) to powerful performances in films like Punjab 1984 and Jatt & Juliet showcases his range as both a musician and actor. His ability to blend traditional Punjabi roots with modern, global sensibilities makes him unique.
What further sets Diljit apart is his authenticity and relatability. Through social media, he connects directly with his fans, sharing moments filled with humor, humility, and genuine charm.
In essence, to ostracize an artist like Diljit — who has done more than most to raise India’s profile internationally — over a casting decision that predates an unforeseen political event is short-sighted and deeply unfair. The film industry must stand for creativity, collaboration, and freedom of artistic expression, not censorship based on reactionary politics.
