Diljit, Hania shine together

Express Tribune

a day ago

The trailer for Sardaar Ji 3 is out, officially marking Hania Aamir's Indian film debut. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh as a ghost hunter called to exorcise a spirit from a haunted UK mansion. Neeru Bajwa and Hania appear as supporting leads, both drawn to Diljit's character in a romantic subplot. The film also has three more Pakistanis in the cast: Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar & Saleem Albela.
The first two instalments were box office successes and loved for their absurd humour and fantasy-driven plots. This third part, directed by Amar Hundal and produced by White Hill Studios, updates the franchise for a global audience. Filmed largely in London and Birmingham in late 2024, the film leans heavily on overseas locations and diaspora appeal.
Hania was missing from the film's teaser, which focused only on Diljit and Neeru, sparking speculation about the extent of her role. But the full trailer confirms her central presence.
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.
Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association, told Hindustan Times, "We had written a letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) earlier, and they refused to give it a certificate. I had seen Hania's tweets as well during the time of Operation Sindoor." He added that they will also be taking action against Diljit, " We are going to take action and tell the producers not to work with him. He should be fully boycotted in the country by music labels and the Punjabi film industry. Diljit is a compulsive Pakistani lover."
The film is now banned from Indian cinemas and will not stream on Indian platforms. It is still set for a June 27 release in international markets, including the UK, Canada, and the Gulf regions.
Internet weighs in
Reactions online have been sharply divided. 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!"