Film Federation of Western Indian Cinema (FWIC) also takes firm stance
As cross-border tensions continue to strain cultural exchanges, Canadian-Indian actor Neeru Bajwa has reportedly unfollowed her Sardaar Ji 3 co-star Hania Aamir on Instagram and removed all promotional content related to the film from her social media, just hours ahead of its international release on Friday.
The development comes in the wake of growing backlash in India over the casting of a Pakistani actress in the Punjabi-language horror-comedy, which also stars popular singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh.
While neither Bajwa nor Aamir has issued a public statement, industry observers suggest that Bajwa’s decision appears to be a response to mounting online criticism and pressure from right-wing factions in India. Several social media users had accused the actress of “undermining national sentiment” by working with a Pakistani artist, amid renewed diplomatic tensions following a deadly attack in Pahalgam earlier this year.
According to sources close to the production, the film was shot earlier this year—prior to the reimposition of an informal industry-wide ban on Pakistani artists in Indian cinema. However, calls for boycotts have since intensified, prompting the producers to cancel all promotional activities in India.
Gunbir Singh Sidhu, the film’s producer, clarified that the decision not to release the film in Indian theatres was taken voluntarily to avoid inflaming public sentiment. “There was no restriction from the Government of India or any other institution,” Sidhu told reporters. “But given the sensitivity of the situation, we refrained from releasing the trailer in India or organising any promotions.”
The Film Federation of Western Indian Cinema (FWIC) has also taken a firm stance, urging the government to revoke Diljit Dosanjh’s passport for his continued association with the project. The move has been criticised by several artists and rights groups who view such actions as an infringement on artistic freedom.
Despite the controversy, Sardaar Ji 3, directed by Amar Hundal, is slated for a wide international release, including in Pakistan. The film marks Hania Aamir’s debut in Indian Punjabi cinema and is being promoted in overseas markets, particularly the UK and Canada, which have large Punjabi-speaking audiences.
The row underscores the deepening cultural divide between the two neighbouring countries, where art and politics have become increasingly entangled. The original Sardaar Ji franchise, known for its mix of slapstick humour and supernatural themes, had previously enjoyed popularity on both sides of the border.
However, industry insiders note that collaborations involving Pakistani actors remain fraught with challenges, even when projects are developed outside India. “It’s a reminder that political tensions can easily spill over into the creative domain,” said a senior film critic based in Mumbai, requesting anonymity.
As of Friday afternoon, Hania Aamir has not responded publicly to the situation, while promotional content related to the film remains live on her social media platforms. Bajwa’s accounts, however, now show no trace of the project, a development that has fuelled further speculation and media attention.