Sardar Ji 3: The Controversy & The Backlash Against Diljit Dosanjh

The Storm Surrounding Sardaar Ji 3

The 2025 release of Sardaar Ji 3, a horror-comedy film starring the ever-popular Diljit Dosanjh, quickly turned into a full-blown controversy that has divided Bollywood, the music industry, and the public alike. With an international cast that includes Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, the film found itself in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. The debate that ensued was not just about the movie’s casting choices but also about the treatment and portrayal of Diljit Dosanjh, a global artist from Punjab, who has been facing constant criticism and online attacks from various sections of the Indian entertainment industry.

In this blog, we will break down the key issues surrounding this controversy, analyze the reactions from various artists like Mika Singh, Guru Randhawa, and B Praak, and examine the reasons behind the continued targeting of Diljit. We will also explore the massive box-office success of the movie, its social impact, and how the story has unfolded amid such intense backlash.

The Core Controversy: Sardaar Ji 3 and Its Fallout

1. Casting of Hania Aamir

One of the central issues that sparked outrage was the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3. Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam (April 22, 2025), which led to heightened India-Pakistan tensions, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) banned Pakistani artists from Indian films. As a result, Hania Aamir’s inclusion in the movie became a lightning rod for criticism. Fans and political groups immediately began calling for a boycott of the film, with many online campaigns demanding its removal from the global release schedule.

The backlash was so intense that the movie’s trailers were geo-blocked in India. Despite this, the producers chose to release the film internationally, citing the film’s completion before the attack and hoping to avoid further complications.

2. Skipping Indian Release

Despite the controversy surrounding Hania’s casting, the film faced an even bigger hurdle — it had to skip its Indian release altogether. Gunbir Singh Sidhu, the co-producer, publicly stated that the movie was shot before the attack and that releasing it in India would only fuel the nationalistic fervor and hinder the film’s prospects. This decision was made to protect the producers from further damage.

However, the film’s absence from the Indian market left a massive void, causing an estimated 40% revenue hit from the Indian audience alone. Yet, Sardaar Ji 3 still managed to rake in significant earnings overseas, proving that the global audience was still eager to watch the film despite the controversy.

3. Industry and Social Reactions

The controversy became more complicated when public figures in Bollywood started to weigh in. Singer B Praak shared a cryptic post on social media, criticizing some artists who, in his view, had “sold their conscience.” While he did not directly name Diljit Dosanjh, many speculated that the comment was aimed at the actor-singer due to his continued association with Pakistani talent.

On the other hand, voices from the Bollywood industry like Javed Akhtar and Imtiaz Ali came forward to defend Diljit. Akhtar emphasized that artists should not be penalized for their creative collaborations and that financial pressures on producers should not undermine their artistic integrity. Meanwhile, renowned actor Naseeruddin Shah bluntly defended Diljit, dismissing the critics and urging them to “go to Kailasa.”

Diljit Dosanjh’s Defense: The Targeting of a Sikh Artist

Diljit Dosanjh, who has been an outspoken advocate for peace and unity between India and Pakistan, has become the target of much vitriol. The ongoing attacks on him by several Indian artists like Mika Singh, B Praak, and Guru Randhawa have largely been rooted in political motives.

1. Mika Singh’s Outbursts

Mika Singh has openly criticized Diljit for his “fake” persona and for collaborating with Pakistani artists. His remarks have only added fuel to the fire, especially since Mika himself has faced allegations of hypocrisy after he performed in Pakistan following the Uri attack in 2016. At that time, Mika received lavish gifts, including a 3-4 crore rupees present from a Pakistani fan at the wedding of a relative of a Pakistani leader. Despite this, Mika has positioned himself as a nationalist, making his criticism of Diljit feel disingenuous to many.

2. B Praak’s Cryptic Post

B Praak, a popular playback singer known for his soulful hits, also seemed to target Diljit in a cryptic tweet about artists “selling their conscience.” While he did not directly mention Diljit, the timing of the post and the context led many to believe he was referring to the Sardaar Ji 3 actor.

However, B Praak’s own career choices raise eyebrows. For instance, his song “Hath Chumme” sparked controversy as it depicted intimate questions about his ex’s first night after marriage. Critics have pointed out the double standards when B Praak criticizes others while having no problem working with questionable content. Additionally, despite demanding huge fees for movie songs, he failed to promote or even post about them on his social media, which many saw as unprofessional and hypocritical.

3. Guru Randhawa: The Double-Faced Artist

Guru Randhawa has long been accused of riding on Diljit’s coattails. Many believe that Guru has used Diljit’s success to boost his own career. In various interviews, Guru has been seen embracing Pakistani singer Bilal Saeed and openly declaring his admiration for Pakistani actress Mahira Khan. His 2017 hit “Lahore” even sparked speculation about his sympathies towards Pakistan.

Guru Randhawa’s attempts to overshadow Diljit’s accomplishments are seen as a desperate attempt to stay relevant. Despite the success of his tracks, he remains relatively unknown outside of India, while Diljit has achieved global recognition. Diljit is the first Punjabi artist to grace the Met Gala, something that speaks volumes about his international stature compared to Guru Randhawa, B Praak, and Mika Singh.

The Conclusion: Diljit’s Unyielding Success and His Role as a Global Icon

Diljit Dosanjh’s unwavering rise to global stardom continues to baffle his detractors. Despite the immense pressure and constant attacks from figures in the Indian music industry, Diljit remains steadfast, both in his professional endeavors and his personal beliefs. His movie Sardaar Ji 3 is already proving to be a major success overseas, grossing an estimated 18 crore INR within the first three days. With a budget of only 15 crore, the film is on track to become a superhit.

Diljit’s ability to captivate global audiences with his music and acting has made him an icon, not just for the Sikh community but for people all over the world. He is a proud representative of India on the global stage, and his contributions to music, film, and culture are unparalleled.

It is also noteworthy that Sardaar Ji 3 managed to break into the American movie charts, securing the 12th position amidst an overwhelming presence of Hollywood films. This feat is a testament to Diljit’s international appeal and his growing influence as a global artist.

Despite the attacks, Diljit continues to stand tall, and for his supporters, he remains a source of immense pride. As long as the sick-minded critics target him for his identity or his success, Diljit will continue to rise above the negativity, proving that he is indeed one of the brightest stars in the global entertainment industry today.