Sardaar Ji 3 Row: FWICE Lashes Out At Diljit For Defending Working With Pak Actress Hania Aamir

Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding his film "Sardaar Ji 3," Diljit Dosanjh has addressed the backlash over casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. He stated, "Bahut saari cheezein humare haath mein nahi hoti." This comment comes after calls to ban Pakistani artists in India following the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has expressed strong disapproval of Diljit's collaboration with a Pakistani artist. They have written to the Indian government, urging strict action against the film and its creators. Ashoke Pandit, filmmaker and Chief Advisor of FWICE, criticised Diljit for not condemning remarks made by Hania Aamir about Operation Sindoor and India's situation.

"How have they forgotten Uri, Pulwama, or Mumbai attack or so many other attacks that Pakistan did on our country? Then you are picking up Pakistani artiste when FWICE and other film bodies issued a non cooperation against Pakistan artistes. When an entire country is against that nation, you cherry pick a Pakistani actor. Basically you are trying to be arrogant, trying to be careless about emotions of this country! Diljit has not responded and condemned what this actress has spoken about Operation Sindoor and our country. Not once has he spoken against what she said and his silence is raising doubts in minds of people about his intentions," he had stated.

Film's Financial Concerns

Diljit explained that when they filmed "Sardaar Ji 3" in February, everything was normal. He mentioned that producers decided on an overseas release due to current circumstances. "Producers ka bahut paisa laga hua hai aur jab yeh film bann rahi thi tab aisa kuch tha nahi," he said. He supports the producers' decision to release it abroad.

BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, questioned the financial reasoning behind releasing the film despite potential losses. He suggested collecting funds from patriotic Indians if money is the issue. Tiwari compared this situation to Fawad Khan's "Abir Gulal," which remains unreleased due to similar concerns.

Public Reactions and Criticism

Ashoke Pandit further criticised Diljit for not addressing Hania Aamir's comments on Operation Sindoor. He accused him of being indifferent to Indian sentiments by working with a Pakistani artist despite widespread opposition from film bodies like FWICE.

Diljit's former manager Sonali Singh's Instagram post defending him was also criticised by Pandit as childish and communalising the issue unnecessarily. He emphasised that this controversy isn't about religion but about national sentiment.

FWICE's Stand on National Sentiment

Tiwari clarified that their issue isn't personal with Diljit but rather about national pride and respect for those affected by attacks. "Humara Diljit Dosanjh se koi lena dena nahi hai," he stated, highlighting that no statement or apology has come from Diljit regarding these concerns.

The trailer release confirmed Hania Aamir's presence in "Sardaar Ji 3," sparking further outrage among Indian film bodies. Many have called for boycotting Diljit and demanded his removal from another project, "Border 2."

The controversy continues as FWICE remains firm in its stance against involving Pakistani artists in Indian films amidst ongoing tensions between the two countries.