The Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have strongly opposed the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh. The film bodies have announced a boycott of Dosanjh and the film’s producers, vowing to block any future plans for an Indian release. While the film is currently slated for an overseas release only, the controversy has reignited debates over Indo-Pak cultural collaborations.
AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta accused Dosanjh of “working with a terrorist” and labeled the casting as a “betrayal of the nation.” The association’s statement condemned the inclusion of Aamir, linking it to recent tensions between India and Pakistan. FWICE President BN Tiwari echoed these sentiments, calling Dosanjh’s decision “disrespectful to Indian soldiers’ sacrifices” and demanding a ban on his future projects.
Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu clarified that Sardaar Ji 3 was filmed before the recent escalation in India-Pakistan tensions and was never intended for an Indian release. However, the film bodies remain unmoved, with FWICE threatening to block any potential future screenings in India. Tiwari stated that even if the film releases only overseas, the industry will impose a ban on Dosanjh and the producers’ upcoming projects.
This controversy highlights the persistent sensitivity around Indo-Pak artistic collaborations in Bollywood. AICWA has urged all industry stakeholders to boycott Dosanjh, signaling a hardening stance against Pakistani artists in Indian cinema. As tensions persist, the incident raises questions about the future of cultural exchanges between the two nations and the entertainment industry’s role in geopolitical conflicts.