Why Is There A Uproar Over Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Sardaar Ji 3’? Calls For Ban Grow Louder

The release of the highly anticipated Punjabi film Sardar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh, has come under fire from the BJP Chitrapat Kamgar Aghaadi, which has demanded a nationwide ban on the film citing the inclusion of Pakistani actors in its cast.

According to reports, the film features Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela, all from Pakistan. The Union, which represents workers and technicians from the Indian film industry, submitted a formal request to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), urging it to deny certification and halt the theatrical release of the film across India.

In a strongly worded statement, the Union said, “We strongly oppose any Pakistani artiste being associated with Indian cinema. It is the demand of the BJP Chitrapat Kamgar Union that Sardar Ji 3 should not be allowed to receive a censor certificate. This is not just a political issue—it is about national sentiment and the dignity of our country”.

The BJP-affiliated group also criticized what they called a “double standard” in the industry, “Pakistan has openly declared India its enemy, and yet we continue to open doors for their artistes and entertainers. This is unacceptable. As representatives of the Indian film industry’s workers and technicians, we cannot stand by and allow this to happen”.

The statement concluded with an appeal to both the CBFC and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to act in accordance with national sentiment and prevent the release of Sardar Ji 3 in Indian theatres.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, in which 26 civilians, were killed by terrorists, tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified. Earlier this year, the film Abir Gulaal, originally slated for a May 9 release, was also banned following similar opposition from Indian film federations.

Government then further also banned the Instagram accounts of prominent Pakistani figures who enjoyed massive popularity across the border making their accounts inaccessible to Indian users, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Atif Aslam, Fawad Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and cricketer Babar Azam.