Hania Aamir starring in Sardaar Ji 3 as India release blocked
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Pakistani actor Hania Aamir's Indian film debut, Sardaar Ji 3, will not see a theatrical release in India following renewed tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.
The film, co-starring Indian singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, is scheduled to release overseas on June 27, but will not hit cinemas in India.
Hania Aamir's casting was confirmed following speculation that she had been dropped amid backlash from Indian film bodies and right-wing groups.
Read: Hania Aamir may be replaced in Sardaar Ji 3: reports
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Film Federation of India had reportedly urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the film's release due to her involvement.
The pressure followed the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 people dead and reignited bans on Pakistani celebrities in Indian media.
While neither Hania nor Diljit publicly addressed the rumours at that time, fans speculated about her continued involvement after she was missing from early posters and teasers.
A behind-the-scenes photo shared by Dosanjh sparked renewed curiosity, and the official trailer released this weekend confirmed her leading role as a ghostbuster.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply in May, Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian jets in retaliation for missile strikes on its territory.
The conflict also disrupted several Indo-Pakistani film projects. Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, faced a ban.
Posters featuring Pakistani stars Mahira Khan and Mawra Hocane were also removed from Bollywood movie posters on streaming platforms.
Read more: Spotify India, OTT platforms pull Pakistani music after govt ban
Instagram restricted access in India to the accounts of several Pakistani celebrities including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Zafar following a legal request citing content regulation.
Read more: 'Ro Doongi': Hania Aamir reacts to Indian fans dodging ban
Indian users attempting to view their profiles received a message stating: 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.'
Photo: ScreenGrab
Hania received strong support from peers and fans. Celebrities including Mahira Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Zara Noor Abbas and Yasir Hussain praised her perseverance.
Photo: ScreenGrab
Yasir Hussain noted the film holds 'historic value' due to Aamir's presence despite diplomatic tensions.
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Diljit, Hania shine together
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To no one's surprise, the trailer's release has quickly escalated into a political controversy in India. Though the teaser and songs are still available to Indian audiences, the trailer is now geo-blocked, showing the message: "The uploader has not made this video available in your country." India bans Pakistan, again The ban stems from renewed India-Pakistan tensions following the April terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 Indian tourists dead. In response, the Indian government launched a military response, "Operation Sindoor," a move that froze all cultural collaboration with Pakistan. While Pakistan denied any involvement in the attack, Indian authorities proceeded with a hardline stance, launching a series of anti-Pakistan campaigns. Pakistani forces responded to Operation Sindoor by launching Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, shooting down six Indian fighter jets and attacking major military bases and stockpiles. The clash ended after both parties agreed on a ceasefire. Amid the political unrest, several Pakistani celebrities spoke out against what they saw as India's rash accusations and escalation of conflict. Among them was Hania, a popular figure in Indian households for her TV series, including Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, collaborations with Indian fashion designers, and a publicised friendship with rapper Badshah. Her Instagram account was subsequently blocked in India as the entertainment industry began systematically distancing itself from Pakistani talent. This fallout also led to the shelving of Abir Gulaal, the long-awaited film starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor. While Hania's involvement in Sardaar Ji 3 remained speculative for a long time, the trailer's confirmation has pushed the film into controversy. According to Hindustan Times, the Central Board of Film Certification has refused to clear the film due to Hania's involvement. Indian film bodies FWICE and AICWA backed the decision, calling it an issue of national sentiment. 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Some Indian users harshly criticised Diljit for collaborating with a Pakistani actor and demanded he be removed from patriotic roles, like his rumoured casting in Border 2. Diljit has not responded to the backlash. This is a recurring trend among nationalist circles in India, where cultural and creative collaborations with Pakistan are frequently framed as threats to national security. "After the Pahalgam attack, Diljit Dosanjh neither tweeted nor gave any statement in the media," one critic penned on X. "Why? Because his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3 features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and he doesn't want to upset his Pakistani and Khalistani audience." Another X user posted, "Why the surprise seeing a Pakistani actress with Diljit Dosanjh? Indian celebrities are loyal to just one thing - money. Partnering with Pakistanis will get them more popularity and money. With Diljit, we are talking about a guy who wore the flag of Punjab to the Met Gala right after Pahalgam. Of course, he isn't a patriot." Joining the horde of critics, one post declared, "Diljit Dosanjh has a fake personality. He doesn't care about the feelings of Indian people. By taking Hania in his film, he has slapped every Indian." However, the criticism is not universal. Supporters flooded the trailer's comments section on the YouTube page and both actors' Instagram accounts with praise and excitement. "You deserve all the success and the biggest stages! Can't wait to see the magic on the screen," wrote one fan under Hania's post. Another comment insisted, "This is a slap on the faces of all channels uploading false news!" People also had great praises for the pairing, "You both look amazing! Can't wait, this is such a breath of fresh air. Lots of love." Under Diljit's IG post, an Indian user wrote, "Oh wow, Hania is finally here! Now, no one better create any drama. Everyone listen up - no one is allowed to say anything to Hania." Another user joked, "Releasing overseas? Just send me the document on WhatsApp. I want to watch the full movie, okay!" YouTube comments echoed cross-border support, "I don't understand the Indo-Pak politics around this film, it's two Punjabis across the border collaborating on a Punjabi project. Best of luck to Hania and Diljit!". Another user echoed this, "Lots of love, from Pakistan. The film will be a super hit, even if it is not released in India. Only Diljit is working on resolving all the hate in this world!" Pakistani celebrities Mahira Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Anoushey Ashraf and Aiman Khan are among the celebrities sharing their love for Sardar Ji 3 on social media. Zara Noor Abbas wrote on her IG Story, sharing the trailer, "I am so happy and proud of you, Hania. Our superstar is on her way to Hollywood!" Yasir Hussain applauded Hania's bravery "Many actors have done films in Bollywood, but Hania releasing a film in these political conditions is historic!"
Express Tribune
2 days ago
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Hania Aamir starring in Sardaar Ji 3 as India release blocked
Listen to article Pakistani actor Hania Aamir's Indian film debut, Sardaar Ji 3, will not see a theatrical release in India following renewed tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi. The film, co-starring Indian singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, is scheduled to release overseas on June 27, but will not hit cinemas in India. Hania Aamir's casting was confirmed following speculation that she had been dropped amid backlash from Indian film bodies and right-wing groups. Read: Hania Aamir may be replaced in Sardaar Ji 3: reports The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Film Federation of India had reportedly urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the film's release due to her involvement. The pressure followed the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 people dead and reignited bans on Pakistani celebrities in Indian media. While neither Hania nor Diljit publicly addressed the rumours at that time, fans speculated about her continued involvement after she was missing from early posters and teasers. A behind-the-scenes photo shared by Dosanjh sparked renewed curiosity, and the official trailer released this weekend confirmed her leading role as a ghostbuster. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply in May, Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian jets in retaliation for missile strikes on its territory. The conflict also disrupted several Indo-Pakistani film projects. Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, faced a ban. Posters featuring Pakistani stars Mahira Khan and Mawra Hocane were also removed from Bollywood movie posters on streaming platforms. Read more: Spotify India, OTT platforms pull Pakistani music after govt ban Instagram restricted access in India to the accounts of several Pakistani celebrities including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Zafar following a legal request citing content regulation. Read more: 'Ro Doongi': Hania Aamir reacts to Indian fans dodging ban Indian users attempting to view their profiles received a message stating: 'Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.' Photo: ScreenGrab Hania received strong support from peers and fans. Celebrities including Mahira Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Zara Noor Abbas and Yasir Hussain praised her perseverance. Photo: ScreenGrab Yasir Hussain noted the film holds 'historic value' due to Aamir's presence despite diplomatic tensions.
