The controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 has intensified following backlash over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, especially after her remarks against India’s Operation Sindoor. As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, co-producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu and lead star Diljit Dosanjh have spoken out, addressing the film’s skipped India release and the criticism surrounding it.In an interview with NDTV, Sardaar Ji 3 co-producer and White Hill Studios MD Gunbir Singh Sidhu revealed the team’s decision to skip an India release came after the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor. Deeply affected by the situation, the makers chose not to upset national sentiment—despite the financial hit. Gunbir shared that this move cost them nearly 40% of potential revenue. To illustrate, he cited Jatt & Juliet 3 (2024), which earned ₹100 crore globally, with ₹40 crore coming from Indian ticket sales alone.Gunbir Singh Sidhu acknowledged that Hania Aamir’s remarks against India were inappropriate, saying she crossed a line and should not have made such comments. While choosing not to elaborate further, he firmly stated that the Sardaar Ji 3 team has now decided to stop working with any Pakistani artists going forward.Addressing the controversy around Sardaar Ji 3, Diljit Dosanjh explained in a conversation with BBC Asian Network that when the film was shot in February, the political situation was stable and there were no issues with the casting. However, with the recent tensions between India and Pakistan, the producers decided to skip the India release and focus on an overseas rollout. Diljit said the decision was beyond their control, acknowledging the financial loss involved, and added that he stands by the producers in this difficult situation.
