As diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan continue to impact cross-border collaborations, famous Indian actress Neeru Bajwa has unfollowed her Sardaar Ji 3 co-star Hania Aamir on Instagram and scrubbed all promotional content related to the film from her social media—just hours before its international release on Friday.
The move comes amid mounting backlash in India over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the Punjabi-language horror-comedy, which also stars singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh. Neither Bajwa nor Aamir has commented publicly, but industry insiders suggest Bajwa’s actions are likely a response to growing pressure from right-wing groups and online critics accusing her of “undermining national sentiment” by participating in a project featuring a Pakistani artist.
The controversy follows heightened tensions after a deadly attack in Pahalgam earlier this year, which reignited calls for a cultural boycott of Pakistani talent in Indian media. According to sources involved in the production, Sardaar Ji 3 was filmed before the unofficial industry-wide ban on Pakistani actors was reinforced. Nonetheless, the uproar has led producers to cancel all promotional activities in India.
Gunbir Singh Sidhu, the film’s producer, clarified that the decision not to release the film in Indian cinemas was made voluntarily to avoid provoking public outrage.
“There was no restriction from the Government of India or any institution,” Sidhu stated. “But given the sensitivity of the situation, we refrained from launching the trailer in India or holding any promotional events.”
Adding to the controversy, the Film Federation of Western Indian Cinema (FWIC) has demanded the Indian government revoke Diljit Dosanjh’s passport due to his continued involvement in the film. The call has sparked criticism from artists and rights advocates who argue such actions threaten artistic freedom.
Despite the backlash, Sardaar Ji 3, directed by Amar Hundal, is going ahead with its wide international release, including in Pakistan. The film marks Hania Aamir’s debut in Indian Punjabi cinema and is being actively promoted in countries with large Punjabi-speaking populations such as Canada and the UK.
The situation highlights the fragile nature of cross-border artistic collaborations in South Asia. “It’s a stark reminder that creative partnerships remain vulnerable to political shifts, no matter where the project is produced,” said a Mumbai-based film critic who requested anonymity.
As of Friday afternoon, Hania Aamir had yet to address the controversy. Promotional posts for Sardaar Ji 3 remain visible on her social media, while Neeru Bajwa’s profiles have been scrubbed of any mention of the film—a development that has only fueled further speculation and debate.
