Pakistani star Hania Aamir’s Indian film debut, Sardaar Ji 3, will not see a theatrical release in India following renewed tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.
The film’s release plans were confirmed by lead actor and producer Diljit Dosanjh, who wrote on Instagram: “Sardaar Ji 3 is releasing on June 27, exclusively overseas! Don’t miss it.” This comes after weeks of speculation surrounding Aamir’s involvement in the project amid backlash from Indian film bodies and right-wing groups.
Hania Aamir’s casting had previously sparked controversy, with rumours suggesting she might be replaced. These followed calls by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Film Federation of India to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), urging them to block the film’s Indian release due to her participation. The pressure intensified after the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which resulted in the deaths of 26 people and reignited longstanding bans on Pakistani talent in Indian entertainment.
Neither Hania nor Diljit publicly addressed the speculation at the time, but her absence from early promotional materials, including posters and teasers, led fans to question whether she remained part of the film. Curiosity peaked when Dosanjh shared a behind-the-scenes photo that subtly confirmed her presence. The official trailer, released over the weekend, laid all doubts to rest, featuring Aamir in the lead role as a ghostbuster.
Tensions between the two countries worsened in May when the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian jets in retaliation for missile strikes on Pakistani territory. The political fallout has disrupted several collaborative film projects. Fawad Khan’s film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, faced an outright ban. Posters featuring Mahira Khan and Mawra Hocane were also quietly removed from streaming platforms showcasing Bollywood films.
In a broader crackdown, Spotify India and major OTT platforms pulled Pakistani music following a government ban. Instagram, responding to a legal request from Indian authorities citing content regulation, restricted access in India to the accounts of several Pakistani celebrities, including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Zafar. Indian users trying to view these profiles were met with a message stating: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
Despite the restrictions, Hania Aamir has received an outpouring of support from both fans and industry peers. Mahira Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Zara Noor Abbas, and Yasir Hussain were among those who praised her resilience. In response to Indian fans expressing disappointment over the ban, Aamir posted a light-hearted message on social media: “Ro Doongi.”
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