Why Is Diljit Dosanjh Film 'Sardaar Ji 3' Getting Banned In India?

Daljit Dosanjh's upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3 has hit a roadblock days before its release. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has reportedly threatened to ban the film in India for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir amid India-Pakistan tensions. The film body's president, BN Tiwari, told India Today that they plan to issue an official directive to ban Diljit Dosanjh and the film’s producers in India. They reportedly said that none of their projects would be allowed to release in India. 

Sardaar Ji 3 controversy

The controversy began when Diljit Dosanjh recently shared the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3, on social media. Fans soon slammed the makers of the film for casting Pakistani actors including Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela.

I request @MEAIndia to kindly revoke the passport of Diljit Dosanjh — at a time when Pakistan literally attempted to attack the Golden Temple, he chose to promote a film with a Pakistani actress.

This insensitivity is unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/vMXfFXb2p9

— BALA (@erbmjha) June 23, 2025

On one hand, Diljit Dosanjh is shooting for the movie Border 2, and at the same time, he is doing a movie with a Pakistani actress who said a lot against Operation Sindoor.

Hi @TSeries @iamsunnydeol, remove Diljit from Border 2, otherwise the movie will be completely boycotted. pic.twitter.com/3Xx77zCjT8

— Shimorekato (@iam_shimorekato) June 23, 2025

Meanwhile, Dosanjh took to Instagram to re-share a post titled ‘Censored before release?’ about his previous film Punjab '95, which was also banned. The film was based on the life of Sikh activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. 

The FWICE appealed to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the film’s release in India. "He has disrespected the sentiments of the nation and insulted the sacrifice of our brave soldiers," they reportedly said.

Gunbir Singh Sidhu, co-producer of Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 told India Today that the film was shot before the conflict but was not released in India due to the present situation. The film will release on June 27 in other parts of the world.

The film's trailer has been geo-blocked for Indian viewers on YouTube, displaying the message: “The uploader has not made this video available in your country.” However, promotional content such as the teaser and songs remain accessible.

Following the April 23 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, Hania Aamir’s Instagram account was reportedly blocked in India as she allegedly made anti-India comments about the military operation ‘Operation Sindoor.’