Punjabi cinema’s beloved duo, Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, are gearing up to return to the big screen with the much-anticipated horror-comedy Sardaar Ji 3. However, the release of the film’s trailer has sparked controversy among fans, as it features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir starring opposite the popular pair.
On Sunday, Diljit Dosanjh, who is also a renowned Punjabi singer, shared the trailer on his Instagram handle, announcing that Sardaar Ji 3 will have an exclusive overseas release and will not be screened in India. The film follows Diljit’s character as a ghost hunter, alongside Hania Aamir’s character, tasked with exorcising a spirit from a mansion in the United Kingdom.
The casting choice has not gone down well with many netizens amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. Social media erupted with criticism targeting Diljit for collaborating with a Pakistani actress. The hashtag #BoycottSardaarJi3 started trending as fans expressed their disappointment and accused the actor of ‘hypocrisy’ and neglecting his national loyalty.
One user tweeted, “After gaining fame, these stars develop an indifferent attitude. #DiljitDosanjh has abandoned his own country—a country that gave him everything. Where is his moral responsibility?” Another harsh comment read, “Diljit deserves more backlash and even a ‘belt treatment’ for this.” Others lamented, “The nation comes first. It’s disheartening to see Diljit so comfortable working with Pakistani co-stars,” while another questioned, “Where’s the line after Pahalgam, Diljit?”
Directed by Amar Hundal, Sardaar Ji 3 also features actors like Gulshan Grover, Manav Vij, Nasir Chinyoti, Monica Sharma, and Saleem Albela. Diljit and Neeru Bajwa have a strong fan following thanks to their previous hits, including Jatt & Juliet, Jatt & Juliet 2, Shadaa, and the first two installments of the Sardaar Ji franchise.
