Pakistani star Hania Aamir’s Indian film debut, Sardaar Ji 3, will not see a theatrical release in India following renewed tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.
Hania Aamir's casting was confirmed following speculation that she had been dropped amid backlash from Indian film bodies and right-wing groups.
Diljit Dosanjh shared on Instagram: "Sardaar Ji 3 is releasing on June 27, exclusively overseas! Don’t miss it.
Read: Hania Aamir may be replaced in Sardaar Ji 3: reports
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Film Federation of India had reportedly urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the film’s release due to her involvement.
The pressure followed the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 people dead and reignited bans on Pakistani celebrities in Indian media.
While neither Hania nor Diljit publicly addressed the rumours at that time, fans speculated about her continued involvement after she was missing from early posters and teasers.
A behind-the-scenes photo shared by Dosanjh sparked renewed curiosity, and the official trailer released this weekend confirmed her leading role as a ghostbuster.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply in May, Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian jets in retaliation for missile strikes on its territory.
The conflict also disrupted several Indo-Pakistani film projects. Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s film Abir Gulaal, co-starring Vaani Kapoor, faced a ban.
Posters featuring Pakistani stars Mahira Khan and Mawra Hocane were also removed from Bollywood movie posters on streaming platforms.
Read more: Spotify India, OTT platforms pull Pakistani music after govt ban
Instagram restricted access in India to the accounts of several Pakistani celebrities including Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Zafar following a legal request citing content regulation.
Read more: 'Ro Doongi': Hania Aamir reacts to Indian fans dodging ban
Indian users attempting to view their profiles received a message stating: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
Photo: ScreenGrab
Hania received strong support from peers and fans. Celebrities including Mahira Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Zara Noor Abbas and Yasir Hussain praised her perseverance.
Photo: ScreenGrab
Yasir Hussain noted the film holds “historic value” due to Aamir’s presence despite diplomatic tensions.
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