'Unfair To Target Diljit Dosanjh': Kabir Khan Supports Actor Amid Sardaar Ji 3 Controversy Over Pak Actress Hania Aamir's Casting

Filmmaker Kabir Khan has reacted to the controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3, which stars Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the lead roles. The film has faced intense backlash from certain sections of the public and political groups following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, with critics slamming the makers for casting a Pakistani actor in an Indian production.

Responding to the row during an interview with NDTV, Kabir defended the decision, clarifying that the casting was finalised long before the tragic events occurred.

Kabir Khan backs Diljit Dosanjh

"It was a decision that was taken ages ago. By the time things changed, the film had already been shot. So it's probably unfair to target. My views on things like censorship and banning are very different. One should be a little more liberated," Kabir said.

The director further stated that art should not be judged through a political lens. "With anything to do with art. I don't think anybody is doing or making any film just to hurt people's sentiments or create hate and controversy. It's unfortunate," he said.

Sardaar Ji 3 did not release in India, which Kabir sees as a casualty of political crossfire. "Sometimes films get stuck and get in the middle of politics, and then they lose out on audiences. They lose out on a good release," he said.

Praising Diljit's contributions to cinema and music, Kabir added, “Diljit's film is doing well in Pakistan, like you mentioned. He is one of the most respected actors and stars of this country and has always done very good work. We also know how proud he is as an Indian. He has been an International icon.”

Despite the criticism, Sardaar Ji 3 has seen strong international traction, particularly in overseas Punjabi-speaking markets. Released on June 27, it has, in fact, become the highest-grossing Punjabi film of 2025.

Sardaar Ji 3 controversy

The controversy began after Diljit promoted his Punjabi film with Hania amid India-Pakistan tensions. FWICE had lashed out Diljit for collaborating with Hania despite a renewed ban on Pakistani celebs in India following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Earlier, it was reported that Diljit had been removed from his upcoming Bollywood film Border 2, and that Punjabi actor Ammy Virk might replace him in the sequel. However, Ammy's team denied the rumours and clarified to Hindustan Times that there was no truth to the reports.

Also, a few days back, FWICE revealed that they lifted ban on Diljit after which he has been allowed to shoot for Border 2. Reportedly, the film body claimed that the patriotic film's producer, Bhushan Kumar, pleaded them personally to let Diljit work.

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