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India.com
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
This 2-hour 39-minute film got banned in India due to…, became blockbuster overseas, earned Rs 64 crore, movie is…, lead actors are…
A cinematic tale that stirred global chatter found itself in the eye of a storm, though celebrated abroad, it couldn't see the light of day in its homeland. The film, wrapped in vibrant storytelling and cross-border talent, fell victim to political unease. Following a tragic incident, voices grew louder against cultural exchanges, and calls to bar certain artists gained momentum. As tensions peaked, the project became collateral damage. Which movie is this? The movie we are talking about is Sardaar Ji 3, helmed by Amar Hundal. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa, and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Despite its international success, the film was not released in India due to political tensions and controversies surrounding the casting of a Pakistani actress. What was the controversy? The controversy began after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 heightened India-Pakistan tensions. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) demanded a ban on Pakistani artists in Indian films. Hania Aamir's involvement in Sardaar Ji 3 led to calls for the film's ban in India. In response, the filmmakers decided to release the film exclusively overseas, avoiding Indian theaters to respect public sentiment. How was the box office response? Despite the domestic ban, Sardaar Ji 3 achieved significant commercial success internationally. With a production budget of Rs 35 crore, the film grossed approximately Rs 64 crore worldwide. It became the highest-grossing Punjabi film in overseas markets and the highest-grossing Indian film in Pakistan. As of July 21, 2025, the film has shattered all records for the highest overseas earnings of Punjabi films, amassing over INR 63 Crores (USD 7.5 Million). On its release day in Pakistan, the film raked in PKR 3.50 crore (USD 125K), marking the highest first-day earnings for any Indian film. By July 16, 2025, it has claimed the title of the highest-grossing Indian film in Pakistan, surpassing Gippy Grewal's Carry On Jatta 3 with a total of INR 12.23 crores (PKR 40.5 crore). More about Sardaar Ji 3 Apart from lead stars, the film also features Jasmin Bajwa, Sapna Pabbi, Gulshan Grover, Manav Vij, Monica Sharmaand Nasir Chinyoti. The soundtrack of Sardaar Ji 3 showcases lyrics penned by Zafar Sandhu, Jaani, and Happy Raikoti, featuring vocals from Diljit Dosanjh and Jasmeen Akhtar, with music composed by MixSingh and Bunny. Released by White Hill Music on June 20, 2025, this album comprises six enchanting tracks.
Express Tribune
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Karan Aujla spots Pakistan flag at concert, says ‘We are one nation, one blood'
In a world often divided by borders and politics, it is heartening when art reminds us of our shared humanity. Amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, Punjabi singer-rapper Karan Aujla has offered a refreshing gesture of unity by acknowledging his cross-border fanbase. During a recent overseas concert, Aujla gave a shoutout to a fan waving the Pakistani flag in the crowd. 'Our brothers from Pakistan are also here. We are the same. We are one nation, one blood,' he said, prompting thunderous applause and cheers from the audience. During a recent overseas concert, Aujla gave a shoutout to a fan waving the Pakistani flag in the crowd. Fans from both countries responded warmly to Aujla's words. One Instagram user commented, 'Indian artists have a big heart,' while others filled the comment section with green heart emojis; a symbolic gesture of peace and solidarity. However, the moment did stir debate online. Some expressed concern over the artist's safety, writing: 'Indian government might give him a hard time now,' and 'Wait till he gets trolled for it in India.' Others dismissed the sentiment outright, countering with comments like: 'We are not one nation or one blood,' and 'We are totally different from each other.' One user went so far as to suggest Aujla should 'just shift to Pakistan' if he feels such kinship. Yet amidst the criticism, a few users saw an opportunity for bridge-building, urging the singer to share this spirit of unity with Indian politicians so that they might become more open-minded. Karan Aujla joins a small but growing list of Indian artists who have spoken out against cultural bans on Pakistani talent. Not long ago, Diljit Dosanjh faced backlash for appearing opposite Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in a film. Defending the collaboration, Dosanjh explained: 'When the movie was filmed in February, things were okay. Then things between the two countries escalated, which were not in our hands. I support the decision to release the movie overseas as valuable money and hard work went into it.' Following that statement, the singer-actor was targeted by online calls for a boycott. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees also urged action against him, claiming he had hurt national sentiments. His film Sardaar Ji 3 was eventually banned in India due to the involvement of a Pakistani actor. Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Diljit Dosanjh says 'Yo Chat' as he drops a glimpse of his nutritious meal
Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh loves to entertain the fans with his Instagram videos, enhanced with this Hinglish commentary. The latest clip features Diljit starting with a healthy drink. The 'Jatt & Juliet' actor added turmeric to a plate full of neem leaves and blended it, along with some water. However, the taste was expectedly bitter. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) Later on, Diljit enjoyed Dalia with some pomegranate and sunflower seeds. The video also showed a variety of fruits and some Poha on the table. After taking the first bite of the Dalia, he said, "Maza hi aa gaya". After this, Diljit catches a plane to reach his next destination. The clip captioned "Yo Chat" also gave us a glimpse of everything he relished during the flight. On Monday, Diljit made his first public appearance after the controversy surrounding his latest release, "Sardaar Ji 3." Diljit Dosanjh's Powerful Border 2 Comeback | Shuts Down Exit Rumours With Army Look He was seen smiling and waving at the shutterbugs as he exited the airport. As Diljit stepped out of the airport, the paparazzi called out to him, saying, "Paaji!" Without stopping, he greeted them with a warm smile, folded hands, and a friendly wave before getting into his car. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Refreshing your memory, "Sardaar Ji 3" faced a lot of backlash for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir as the female lead. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) even issued a non-cooperation order against Diljit, preventing him from working on any film projects. However, following an appeal from producer Bhushan Kumar, FWICE made an exception for "Border 2," allowing Diljit to complete the shoot of the war drama. Made under the direction of Anurag Singh , Diljit will be seen sharing screen space with Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan , and Ahan Shetty in his next. Backed by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta and presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series, along with J.P. Dutta's banner, J.P. Films, "Border 2" is set to get a theatrical release on January 23, 2026.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Anupam Kher criticises Diljit Dosanjh over Sardaar Ji 3 controversy: ‘I can't watch my sister's sindoor get destroyed in the name of art'
Diljit Dosanjh continues to remain in the spotlight as controversy brews over the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in his upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3. Diljit, who also serves as a producer on the film, is under fire for featuring a Pakistani artist at a time when cross-border cultural exchanges remain a sensitive issue in India. Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently weighed in on the matter, telling NDTV that while Diljit has the right to express himself freely, he personally would not have made the same choice. 'It's his fundamental right. He has full freedom to exercise his right and he should be given freedom to exercise it. I can say from my point of view that maybe I wouldn't do what he did,' Anupam said. He went on to use an analogy to explain his stance: 'I'd say, 'You slapped my father but you sing very well, you play very good tabla, so you come and perform at my house.' But I wouldn't be able to do that. I am not that great. I won't hit him back, but I won't give him the right… The rule that I practice at my home, I practice in my country. I am not that great that I could see my family get hit or see my sister's sindoor get destroyed for art. Those who can do so, they have all the freedom.' Also Read | Diljit Dosanjh finds fans across parties in Punjab, even as 'barred' film climbs the charts Recently actor Kangana Ranaut also echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that artists like Diljit should align themselves with the idea of 'nation building.' Speaking to Times Now, she said: 'I have said enough about these people who are… We need to have a sentiment of nation building. Everybody is a stakeholder. Why don't we have that sentiment? Why is one Diljit having his own path? Why are our cricketers having their own friendships?' For those unfamiliar with the controversy, Sardaar Ji 3 features Hania Aamir in a prominent role. Her inclusion has sparked outrage as it comes in the wake of the 2024 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Since the 2016 Uri attack, Indian film bodies have enforced an unofficial ban on Pakistani artists working in Indian productions. As a result of the casting, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has reportedly imposed a ban on Diljit Dosanjh, barring him from participating in Indian film projects. Despite this, the actor is currently shooting for his next film Border 2 and is reportedly in discussions for future projects. In response to the backlash, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have stated that the film was shot before the Pahalgam attack and assured that they will refrain from working with Pakistani actors in the future.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anupam Kher opens up on the Diljit Dosanjh, Hania Aamir controversy: 'Can't see my family get hit or my sister's sindoor get destroyed for art'
Diljit Dosanjh has been in the news ever since the release of his film 'Sardaarji 3' for casting Hania Aamir in his film and also promoting it, after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and ' Operation Sindoor '. The film did not release in India but in other parts of the world and several film industry organizations, including the All India Cine Workers Association and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, expressed outrage. They also demanded a total ban on Diljit Dosanjh's activities in India, including his concerts. As many celebs have weighed in on the issue and given their views on what they think is right, Anupam Kher has also opened up on it. The actor-director said during a chat with NDTV, 'It's his fundamental right. He has full freedom to exercise his right and he should be given freedom to exercise it. I can say from my point of view that maybe I wouldn't do what he did.' He further elaborated, 'I'd say, 'You slapped my father but you sing very well, you play very good tabla, so you come and perform at my house'. But I wouldn't be able to do that. I am not that great," he admitted. 'I won't hit him back, but I won't give him the right… The rule that I practice at my home, I practice in my country. I am not that great that I could see my family get hit or see my sister's sindoor get destroyed for art. Those who can do so, they have all the freedom. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo " Meanwhile, Ajay Devgn also recently reacted to it. He said, 'I don't know where the trolling comes from (or) what is right and what is wrong. I'm not in his shoes to comment on that. He would've had his problems, and people are thinking from their point of view," Devgn said. 'So, when you've two different points of view, then you can sit and solve it together. I'll not blame anybody or say that this is right or wrong; they need a conversation. "
