Diljit Dosanjh Faces Online Backlash Over Casting Pakistani Actor Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3

Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3 hasn’t even hit screens yet, but it’s already lighting fires online — and not the celebratory kind. A storm of criticism has erupted over the inclusion of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in the film’s cast, triggering a chorus of anger, frustration, and finger-pointing across social media platforms.

The controversy lands just as tensions between India and Pakistan remain fragile, and some corners of the internet are having a hard time separating cinema from geopolitics.

A Trailer, A Cast, and A Social Media Storm

When the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 dropped earlier this week, fans were expecting the usual—a dose of comedy, high energy music, and Diljit’s undeniable screen charm. But what caught many off guard was the presence of Pakistani star Hania Aamir, known for her popularity in dramas across the border. Within hours, the conversation online shifted from plotlines to politics.

On Reddit, where much of the earliest backlash brewed, one of the top-voted threads bluntly titled “Guts” sparked a flood of disapproving comments. “Never spoke a word during the war… now we know why… I liked him, but the opinion is now changing highly,” one user wrote. Others went further, questioning Dosanjh’s patriotism and even invoking older accusations linking him to pro-Khalistani sentiments.

Some labeled him “shameless.” Others called him “disgusting.”

The outrage wasn’t limited to Reddit either. X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram comment sections were quickly overrun with hashtags and comment threads slamming the singer-actor. The central complaint? That in the current climate, casting a Pakistani actor is at best insensitive, and at worst, treasonous.

Diljit’s Silence Adds Fuel to the Fire

One of the most common refrains across platforms has been about Dosanjh’s silence. He hasn’t responded publicly to the backlash or offered a statement. For many, that absence is deafening.

It’s not the first time Dosanjh has courted controversy. From being trolled during the farmer protests for allegedly being anti-national to his social media spats with Kangana Ranaut, the Udta Punjab star has long walked a fine line between stardom and political turbulence.

But this feels different. The anger is more pointed, the accusations more personal. And people aren’t letting it go.

Still, others have quietly defended him, saying art should transcend borders. Their voices, however, are being drowned in a digital uproar that shows no signs of slowing.

The Bigger Picture: Culture Clashes With Nationalism

What this backlash reveals isn’t just an angry reaction to a movie trailer. It’s something deeper—a reflection of how fraught cross-border collaborations have become in a post-Pulwama, post-Balakot India.

Bollywood has walked this tightrope for years. Pakistani artists have been unofficially banned from Indian productions since 2016, following terrorist attacks that reignited long-standing nationalistic sentiments. While there’s no legal prohibition, the cultural mood remains sharply opposed.

Despite that, exceptions do surface from time to time—especially in overseas productions. That’s where Sardaar Ji 3 comes in. The film is scheduled for release outside India, possibly as a workaround to avoid triggering local regulators or fan backlash. Ironically, that’s exactly what it ended up doing.

So now, a new question is emerging: If such collaborations continue quietly abroad, are we being honest about the cultural barriers we claim to maintain?

From Reddit Threads to National Headlines

Here are some of the comments doing the rounds online—capturing both public outrage and simmering resentment.

• “You can’t expect anything better from Diljit. He has always been very clear about his ideologies.”

• “So all the allegations against him being a separatist are kind of true, I feel. What a shameless person he is.”

• “Never liked him, never will. Disgusted by him.”

• “Now at least the border makers will remove him from a film based on the life of our army.”

While some of these accusations are purely speculative, the emotional charge behind them is undeniable. The sentiment isn’t about just one film or one actor. It’s about trust, identity, and a sense of cultural betrayal.

What the Film Is Actually About? Almost No One’s Talking

Curiously, very little discussion has revolved around the plot of Sardaar Ji 3. Most fans probably couldn’t even tell you the storyline beyond what the trailer offers. That’s how overwhelmed the conversation has become.

The film marks the third installment of a popular Punjabi franchise that has previously leaned heavily on comedy and larger-than-life antics. And while Diljit’s brand remains strong in the diaspora, this may be the first time his global appeal is clashing head-on with domestic sentiments.

For the record, Hania Aamir enjoys massive popularity in Pakistan and among Urdu-speaking audiences globally. This would’ve been her big moment to break into Punjabi cinema—or Indian screens more broadly. Instead, she’s become collateral damage in a crossfire she likely never expected.

The Business Risk Behind the Casting Choice

From a commercial perspective, the casting of Hania Aamir might have been a strategic move aimed at attracting a wider South Asian audience. Especially in the UK, Canada, and parts of the Gulf, the Punjabi diaspora comprises both Indian and Pakistani expats.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the overseas Punjabi film market:

For producers banking on that overseas box office gold, bringing in a Pakistani name made business sense. But with the domestic backlash heating up, it’s unclear if the move will end up hurting the film’s broader reception.

So, What Happens Next?

For now, Sardaar Ji 3 is still slated for overseas release on June 27. Whether it gets an India release at all remains unclear. Much will depend on how the protests evolve and whether official channels step in.

As for Diljit? He’s staying quiet. Maybe he’s hoping the storm passes. Maybe he’s waiting for the right moment to respond. Or maybe he’s already moved on, focused on music tours and social media reels.

But online, fans and critics alike are watching—and they’re not in a forgiving mood.