The Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa-starrer Sardaar Ji 3, has been embroiled in a controversy for featuring Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in a supporting role. Since the Pahalgam attack in April, Indian cine bodies have issued a blanket ban on Pakistani artistes working in India, and have banned the releases of their projects. Amid all this, the decision to release Sardaar Ji 3 has not gone down well with Indian cine bodies, and many of Diljit’s fans in India. The film’s other leading star, Neeru Bajwa, who is one of the most popular actors in the Punjabi film industry, has now deleted all the promotional material of the film from her social media accounts. Diljit came under fire for promoting the film, and going ahead with its planned release in overseas markets.
Neeru is a Canadian national but has been a popular actor in India since the 2000s. It was only a few days ago that Neeru was seen promoting Sardaar Ji 3 with Diljit in the UK. Hania has not been a part of the promotions of the film so far even though the film is releasing in Pakistan, and other territories, and not releasing in India.
Sardaar Ji 3 producer declares 40% loss
Meanwhile, one of the producers of the film, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, told NDTV that the film was shot before the Pahalgam attack, and at that time, there was no such ban in place. “There was no restriction from the Government of India or any other institution,” he said and added that the film’s team decided that they would not be releasing the film in India as they “did not want to hurt the sentiments of our people in any way.” But, they decided to release it internationally anyway. “Keeping this honour in mind, we decided that the film will be released only overseas because our major investment is there. There was no restriction from any government overseas, so it was decided to release there. We did not put the trailer on YouTube in India, nor did we do any kind of promotional activities,” he said.
Gunbir was asked about Hania’s reaction condemning Operation Sindoor, which was conducted in retaliation by the Indian government a few days after the Pahalgam attack. “I believe that they (Hania and Mahira Khan) should not have made such statements. But I cannot comment more than that. But I would say that those things should not have happened and she hit below the belt,” he said and added, “Now we have taken this decision with full strength that we will not work with any Pakistani artist from now on.” He also spoke about the financial ramifications of Sardaar Ji 3 not getting a release in India and said that “40 percent of our revenue loss has happened.”
Hania Aamir’s social media account has been blocked in India.
Diljit Dosanjh on working with Pakistani artistes
Previously, Diljit also spoke about the same in a chat with BBC Asian Network and said, “When the film was made, the situation was fine. This film was shot in February. A lot of things happened after that which are not in our control. When it (Pahalgam attack) happened, the producers knew that they can’t release this film in India anymore. But, they decided to release it overseas as they have invested a lot of money in the film. They will 100% suffer losses because they are removing an entire territory.”
He was asked about working with Hania Aamir and he shared, “Hania Aamir is good. She is very professional. I don’t get involved with anyone much, I am a very private person.” Neeru Bajwa was a part of this interview as well.
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Ban on Abir Gulaal
Days after the Pahalgam attack, Fawad Khan-starrer Abir Gulaal, which was scheduled to release in May was banned by the Indian cine bodies. This film marked Fawad’s return to the Indian film industry. The actor had not worked in India since 2016’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. That film also faced severe cuts, and opposition to Fawad’s casting as it released days after the Uri attack.
