FWICE Threatens to Ban Diljit Dosanjh and Producers for Casting Pakistani Actress Hania Aamir Amid Anti-India Remarks

Published: June 23, 2025 | By Masala Mirror Staff

In a shocking turn of events, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has announced plans to issue an official directive to ban Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh and the producers of his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3 in India. The controversy stems from the film’s casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, who allegedly made anti-India comments following Operation Sindoor, a military strike targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Here’s everything you need to know about this escalating drama shaking the Indian film industry.

Why Is Sardaar Ji 3 Facing a Ban in India?

The third installment of Diljit Dosanjh’s beloved Sardaar Ji franchise, a horror-comedy set to release globally on June 27, 2025, has been embroiled in controversy due to its inclusion of Pakistani actors, notably Hania Aamir, alongside Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela. The decision to cast Pakistani artists comes at a sensitive time, following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which claimed 26 lives. India’s subsequent military operation, Operation Sindoor, targeted terror launch pads, further straining bilateral relations.

The FWICE, a prominent film industry body, has taken a strong stance against the film. On June 11, 2025, they urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to withhold certification for Sardaar Ji 3 due to the presence of Pakistani actors. FWICE President BN Tiwari, in an exclusive interview with India Today, stated, “We will issue a non-cooperation directive against Diljit Dosanjh and the producers if Sardaar Ji 3 is released anywhere in the world. It should be nation first for all of us.” The federation has also threatened to ensure the film is not released in India, citing national security concerns and public sentiment.

Adding fuel to the fire, Hania Aamir’s Instagram account was reportedly blocked in India after allegations that she posted stories condemning India’s actions during Operation Sindoor, labeling them as “Hindutva extremism” and calling India “cowardly.” While Hania denied making such remarks, claiming a fake post was falsely attributed to her, the backlash has been relentless.

Diljit Dosanjh’s Response and Producer’s Defense

Diljit Dosanjh, known for his global appeal and roles in films like Jatt & Juliet 3 and Crew, has found himself at the center of this storm. The actor-singer announced via Instagram that Sardaar Ji 3 will skip Indian theaters and release exclusively overseas on June 27, 2025, writing, “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only  FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.” The trailer, geo-blocked for Indian viewers on YouTube, has further intensified fan disappointment, with many expressing feelings of betrayal on social media.

In an attempt to diffuse the situation, Diljit shared a philosophical perspective, stating, “I think we need to look beyond nations and focus on Mother Earth. All these borders are part of the same Mother Earth, and I belong to her.” However, this has done little to quell the outrage, with netizens slamming him for collaborating with Hania Aamir during a time of national tension.

Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu defended the casting, clarifying that Sardaar Ji 3 was shot before the India-Pakistan conflict escalated. “We completed filming prior to the Pahalgam incident and Operation Sindoor,” Sidhu told News9 Live, emphasizing that the production timeline predates the current geopolitical turmoil. Despite this explanation, the FWICE remains unmoved, and calls for a boycott continue to grow.

Public and Industry Backlash

The inclusion of Hania Aamir has sparked a massive online uproar, with Indian netizens flooding platforms like X with hashtags like #BoycottDiljit and #BanPakArtists. One X user wrote, “Diljit Dosanjh’s depravity to release a movie with Pakistani Hania Aamir, who called Operation Sindoor and India cowardly, is purely sinister and sadistic.” Another commented, “No post on Pahalgam, no post on Operation Sindoor, and now this. What a disappointment, Diljit.”

The film’s trailer, released on June 22, 2025, confirmed Hania’s role as a ghost hunter alongside Diljit and Neeru Bajwa, who reprises her role as the “rani chudail” (queen witch). The romantic subplot involving Hania and Neeru vying for Diljit’s attention has further irked fans, who view the casting as insensitive given the ban on Pakistani artists in India post-Pahalgam.

The FWICE’s opposition mirrors their earlier stance against other films featuring Pakistani actors, such as Fawad Khan’s Abir Gulaal, which was shelved following similar protests. The federation’s letter to the CBFC stated, “We earnestly request that the CBFC refrain from granting certification to Sardaar Ji 3 as it involves participation by Pakistani actors.”

What’s Next for Sardaar Ji 3?

With Sardaar Ji 3 barred from Indian theaters and digital platforms like Disney+Hotstar in India, the film is set to rely on its international audience, particularly in markets like Canada, the UK, and Pakistan. Directed by Amar Hundal, the movie promises a mix of action, comedy, and supernatural elements, with Diljit playing Jaggi, a quirky ghostbuster tackling a haunted UK mansion.

However, the controversy has cast a shadow over the franchise’s future. The FWICE’s threat to ban Diljit Dosanjh and the producers could impact his upcoming projects, including Border 2 and No Entry 2. Industry insiders speculate that Diljit’s global stardom may cushion the financial blow, but the loss of the Indian market—where the Sardaar Ji series enjoys a massive fanbase—could be significant.

Hania Aamir, meanwhile, has reaffirmed her role in the film via Instagram, calling it a “historic” moment for her career. Her collaboration with Diljit, which began when she joined him on stage at his London concert last year, has been a point of contention, with some praising her talent while others criticize her alleged anti-India stance.

Key Takeaways

• FWICE’s Ban Threat: The Federation of Western India Cine Employees plans to issue a non-cooperation directive against Diljit Dosanjh and Sardaar Ji 3 producers for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir.
• Hania Aamir’s Controversy: Alleged anti-India remarks post-Operation Sindoor and her Instagram ban in India have fueled public outrage.
• No India Release: Sardaar Ji 3 will skip Indian theaters and release overseas on June 27, 2025, with its trailer geo-blocked in India.
• Producer’s Defense: Gunbir Singh Sidhu claims the film was shot before the India-Pakistan tensions escalated.
• Public Backlash: Netizens are calling for a boycott, accusing Diljit of insensitivity amid national tensions.

Final Thoughts

The Sardaar Ji 3 controversy highlights the delicate balance between artistic collaboration and national sentiment in a politically charged climate. While Diljit Dosanjh’s decision to retain Hania Aamir respects his creative vision, it has come at the cost of alienating a significant portion of his Indian fanbase. As the FWICE prepares to take action, the future of Diljit’s career in India hangs in the balance.

What are your thoughts on this controversy? Should art transcend borders, or is the FWICE justified in their stance? Share your views in the comments below, and stay tuned to Masala Mirror for the latest updates on this unfolding drama.

Follow Masala Mirror for more Bollywood news, celebrity updates, and exclusive insights.

Keywords: Diljit Dosanjh, Sardaar Ji 3, Hania Aamir, FWICE ban, Operation Sindoor, Pahalgam attack, India-Pakistan tensions, Bollywood controversy, Punjabi cinema, boycott Diljit

Meta Description: Diljit Dosanjh faces a ban in India as FWICE targets Sardaar Ji 3 for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, who allegedly made anti-India remarks post-Operation Sindoor. Read more on Masala Mirror.