While India debates his place in Bollywood, Diljit Dosanjh is busy celebrating the roaring success of Sardaar Ji 3—not in India, but across the border in Pakistan.
In a bold move that’s being seen as a subtle clap-back to growing political backlash at home, the Punjabi superstar recently reposted a viral video from Universal Cinemas Pakistan. The video showed packed cinema halls in Lahore and Islamabad, buzzing with energy and excitement for his latest supernatural comedy.
From loud cheers to emotional reactions and full-house screenings, the clip showcased a love that transcends borders—and Diljit didn’t hesitate to shine a spotlight on it.
A Film Caught Between Two Countries
Sardaar Ji 3, the third installment in the beloved Punjabi comedy franchise, hit international screens on June 27, 2025. But notably, it never made it to Indian theatres.
The film was pulled from Indian release schedules following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians and reignited political and cultural tensions between India and Pakistan. The release of the trailer earlier this month, which revealed Pakistani actress Hania Aamir as one of the film’s leads, added fuel to the fire.
Indian film federations were quick to condemn the decision to cast a Pakistani actress. The Film Federation of Western Indian Cinema (FFWIC) went so far as to call for a boycott of the film. Soon after, multiple Bollywood insiders began lobbying producers to cut ties with Diljit, including from major projects like Border 2 and director Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming venture.
Despite this, the film’s global release went ahead as scheduled—with spectacular results.
Pakistan Embraces Sardaar Ji 3
Pakistan has emerged as the unlikely hero in the film’s success story. With 12 shows a day on the biggest screens in Lahore and Islamabad, the film has broken all previous records for Indian cinema in the country.
According to the producers, Sardaar Ji 3 earned Rs4.32 crore on Day 1 and Rs6.71 crore on Day 2, pushing the global total to Rs11.03 crore in just 48 hours. Out of this, a whopping Rs4.5 crore came from Pakistan alone—setting a new opening day record and beating even Salman Khan’s Sultan (2016).
The Universal Cinemas video reposted by Diljit opened with Hania Aamir’s dramatic entrance scene and included a caption that read:
“12 shows on the biggest screens in the country. Amazing response from the audience for Sardar Ji 3. Come and watch.”
For fans in Pakistan, this gesture felt like a heartfelt acknowledgment of their support, and for critics in India, it was seen as a defiant response to the growing pressure on the actor.
Diljit Speaks Out
In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit broke his silence on the controversy. Calm and composed as always, he explained:
“The film was shot earlier this year, before the tragic events in April. The situation was normal at the time. The producers had invested heavily, and I supported their decision to release it internationally.”
His remarks make it clear that the backlash may be misplaced. According to producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu, the film was shot entirely in the UK in February 2025, when diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan were relatively stable.
“Looking back now, yes—it’s a complicated situation. But the film was made with no political intent,” said Sidhu. “Still, given the current climate, I would think twice before casting Pakistani talent again.”
Bollywood Under Pressure
Even as Sardaar Ji 3 thrives abroad, Diljit finds himself at the center of an uncomfortable debate in Bollywood.
Several Indian industry figures have reportedly pressured producers of Border 2 to drop him from the cast. Similarly, director Imtiaz Ali has faced calls to replace him in his next film. Yet Ali, known for his uncompromising creative integrity, has stood firm.
He called Diljit “a patriot,” and praised the actor’s professionalism and commitment to his work, regardless of the politics around him.
It’s a tricky balancing act. On one side, artists want to tell stories and create art without borders. On the other, nationalism and political sensitivities can often dictate the course of entertainment industries—especially in South Asia, where cinema has always been intertwined with public sentiment.
A Cross-Border Cultural Moment
What’s clear is this: Sardaar Ji 3 has done more than entertain—it has reignited conversations about art, borders, and the power of cinema to connect people, even in times of division.
For Pakistani fans, seeing Hania Aamir shine on the big screen alongside Diljit Dosanjh is a matter of pride. For Indian audiences, it may take longer to see the film—but the chatter around it refuses to slow down.
