'Sardarji 3' makers finally speak up on Hania Aamir row; reveal why she wasn't edited out from the film

The Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, has found itself at the centre of a major storm, one that blends cinema, politics, and national sentiment. The controversy erupted after it came to light that the film features popular Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, sparking widespread backlash and even calls to ban the film and its lead star in India.

With rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in April and the subsequent Operation Sindoor in May, public emotions have been running high. Social media was quick to react, with several users demanding that no Pakistani talent be featured in Indian content. This sentiment has already stalled the release of Abir Gulaal, which starred Fawad Khan alongside Vaani Kapoor. In the case of Sardaar Ji 3, the backlash was so intense that the makers decided not to release the film in India at all.

Addressing the firestorm, the producers of Sardaar Ji 3 finally broke their silence with a public statement. According to them, Hania Aamir was signed for the film much before the current situation escalated, and the project was shot well in advance. 'It was never the case that any Pakistani artist was signed or engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam,' read their note, shared via the film’s official social media pages.

They added, 'We stand united with our country and our fellow countrymen during this sensitive time. Considering the same, we had decided not to release the film or any of its promotional content in India until the situation becomes opportune.'

The reaction online has been mixed; while some have applauded the makers for putting the Indian release on hold, others questioned why the film wasn’t re-edited to remove Hania’s portions altogether.

For now, Sardaar Ji 3 is set to hit theatres overseas on June 27, where it still holds the potential to draw Punjabi film lovers globally. But back home, the noise around it only seems to be growing louder making this more than just a film release, but a cultural flashpoint in an already sensitive time.