Diljit Dosanjh’s latest film, Sardaar Ji 3, has been banned in India following backlash over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Despite the ban, the film was released internationally, including in Pakistan, where it received an overwhelming response.
Record-Breaking Box Office in Pakistan
The film earned Rs 11.03 crore globally in just two days and broke box office records in Pakistan by collecting Rs 3 crore on its first day, surpassing Salman Khan’s Sultan (2016) as the biggest Indian film opening in the country. Theatres in Pakistan reported houseful shows, with fans praising the film and Hania’s performance.
Diljit shared audience reactions through his Instagram Stories, reposting a fan video that featured Hania on the big screen. He also posted a clip showing the packed theatres in Pakistan, standing by the film’s international release.
Film Bodies Want Diljit Dropped from Border 2
Backlash in India continues to grow. Several film bodies have written to Sunny Deol and the makers of Border 2, urging them to remove Diljit from the project. Reports suggest Ammy Virk is being considered as a replacement, though official confirmation is still awaited.
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Diljit Responds to Controversy
In a recent interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit clarified that Sardaar Ji 3 was shot in February, before political tensions escalated. “When the film was made, everything was normal,” he said. Acknowledging the ban, he added, “A lot is out of our control. The producers have invested heavily, and if they choose to release it overseas, I support them.”
