Diljit Dosanjh’s Punjabi film ‘Sardar Ji 3’ recently became the center of controversy after Pakistani actress Hania Aamir was cast as the lead heroine. This sparked calls for a boycott of the film in India, leading to the decision that ‘Sardar Ji 3’ will not be released domestically and will only be screened overseas. Amid the ongoing debate, veteran actor Puneet Issar has shared his perspective on the issue, adding to the public lesson around cross-border collaborations in the entertainment industry.Puneet Issar’s Patriotic ViewTalking to Instant Bollywood, Puneet Issar said, “I am a patriot, for me the country comes first. I believe that when Diljit Dosanjh started his film, everything was fine between the two countries. Some artists from there were working with us at that time, but no one objected. But I believe that we should also have self-respect for our country, for our Gurus. We should know where our Gurus have sacrificed their lives. What have they all done for us? You (Diljit) have forgotten those things. Don’t you know that four sons of Guru Govind Singh were martyred? Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrificed his life to protect his religion. We all should be loyal to our country.” Critique of Diljit Dosanjh’s CommentsThe actor further added, “Diljit is a big artist. He said that the film had already been made. But he further said that it does not matter to him, music is made and played between two countries. This statement itself was wrong. Every Indian should respect his country.” Film’s Release Status Amidst TensionsFollowing the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which resulted in 26 deaths, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reinstated a blanket ban on Pakistani artists working in India and urged the Information & Broadcasting Ministry to enforce it.As tensions rose, public and industry pressure mounted against cross-border collaborations. The producers of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ decided to cancel its India theatrical release and opted for an overseas-only strategy.Pakistani censorship boards in Sindh, Punjab, and the Federal Capital approved the film, allowing its release in Pakistan where it’s expected to benefit the local cinema industry.
