Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh announced on Monday that his upcoming horror-comedy Sardaarji 3 will be released exclusively in overseas markets. The decision comes just hours after a social media uproar erupted over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the film, with many users calling for a boycott in India.
Earlier in the day, Dosanjh unveiled the trailer of Sardaarji 3, which quickly drew criticism online for featuring Hania Aamir—who had previously spoken against India following the 2019 air strike and more recently labeled Operation Sindoor a “cowardly act” by the Indian Army. The backlash intensified in light of heightened border tensions following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam and India’s subsequent military response.
Social media users questioned Dosanjh’s decision to work with Aamir, with comments like “Country first” flooding the actor’s Instagram. Amid growing demands to ban Pakistani artists from Indian films, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had already appealed to the CBFC in May to deny certification to Sardaarji 3.
What is happening?
FWICE and AICWA Announce Boycott of Diljit Dosanjh Over Sardaarji 3 Casting Controversy
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has announced a complete non-cooperation directive against singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh and the producers of Sardaarji 3, following the backlash over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir.
In a statement FWICE President BN Tiwari said, “There will be complete non-cooperation. If the film releases anywhere, we will ensure that Diljit Dosanjh won’t get work—in films or concerts—anywhere in India.” He further stated that unless the film’s release is withdrawn, Dosanjh would face an industry-wide boycott.
Joining the protest, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also declared a ban on Diljit Dosanjh. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the association wrote:
“We hereby announce a complete boycott of singer and producer Diljit Dosanjh from the Indian film industry. We urge all Indian producers, music companies, event organizers, and film workers to stand united and not associate with him in any professional capacity.”
FWICE has also submitted a letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), urging it to withhold the censor certification of Sardaarji 3, intensifying pressure to stall the film’s release in India.
The Sardaarji franchise began in 2015 with Diljit starring as a quirky ghost hunter named Jaggi, alongside Mandy Takhar and Neeru Bajwa. Its commercial success led to Sardaarji 2, which saw Dosanjh in a triple role opposite Monica Gill and Sonam Bajwa.
