Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: July 09, 2025 | 
| 中文
Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3
Internationally acclaimed Punjabi actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh returns to the spotlight as the iconic 'Sardaar Ji', the very same Sardaar who won’t hesitate to call you out if you forget to add the respectful suffix 'ji' to his name. Renowned for his chart-topping Punjabi hits and effortless charm, Dosanjh joins Neeru Bajwa’s character, Pinky, in theg third installment of the Sardaar Ji franchise. Blending comedy, fantasy and rich regional flavor, the movie offers not only a vibrant cinematic experience but also a compelling behind-the-scenes story, one steeped in politics.
Neeru Bajwa and Diljit Dosanjh
The story picks up where the first film left off, but this time, there’s no more bottling up churails (female spirits). Sardaar Ji a.k.a. Jaggi and Pinky now share a home with a spirited gang of female ghosts, with Jaggi becoming the darling of the entire spectral household. A fresh twist emerges when he discovers an impostor, someone masquerading as Jaggi and taking on ghost-busting jobs under his name.
Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa
Enter Hania Aamir as Noor, a familiar face from Pakistani television dramas who has been gracing screens since the original Sardaar Ji premiered a decade ago. Hania has excelled in popular serials like Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum and Mere Humsafar, and has endorsed several international brands. Despite Singh and Bajwa already anchoring the cast, Hania was a standout addition. She brought fresh energy to a revived story that also features international stars like Sapna Pabbi, Manav Vij and Gulshan Grover.
Hania Aamir and Nasir Chinyoti
Our very own stage and stand-up veteran, Nasir Chinyoti, last seen in Super Punjabi, delivers a commendable performance. Holding his own among seasoned actors, his sharp juggats (witty lines) and banter with Diljit are so lively they’ll have you laughing in your seat.
There’s a backstory to the very ghost Jaggi faces, and, in classic Sardaar Ji fashion, our 'boy' eventually solves the mystery. With signature Diljit-style songs, the film turned out to be a worthwhile watch in Pakistani cinemas, which have been struggling to regain momentum over the past few years.
Hania Aamir at Diljit Dosanjh's concert in London
The real story, with more twists than Sardaar Ji 3 itself, began back in October last year. At a star-studded show in London, Diljit Dosanjh caused a stir when he spotted Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the crowd. At the time, she was gaining fame in both Pakistan and India for her role as Sharjeena in the television serial Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. Inviting her onstage at the iconic O2 Arena, Diljit called her a “superstar,” serenaded her with his hit song Lover, shared a warm embrace and even handed her the mic to address the roaring audience. The heartwarming, now-viral moment sparked buzz about their chemistry, a moment that, in hindsight, felt like a quiet teaser of things to come. Riding the wave of that viral moment, Hania was later cast in the film, though both she and Diljit denied the rumors until its release.
However, between the October concert and the film’s release on June 27, a brief 87-hour border conflict flared up between India and Pakistan, further escalating tensions. The release of superstar Fawad Khan's Bollywood comeback film Abeer Gulal, alongside Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, was delayed. Meanwhile, backlash peaked following the trailer launch of Sardaar Ji 3. Protests became so intense that co-star Neeru Bajwa withdrew from promotions, producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu criticized Hania’s comments on Operation Sindoor, and public figures like Abhijeet Bhattacharya and Aditya Narayan called for patriotic loyalty. Some even called for boycotting the film and removing Diljit from upcoming projects like Border 2.
Neeru Bajwa (L) and Diljit Dosanjh (C) and Jasmin Bajwa in Sardaar Ji 3
Still, reasonable voices in India, such as legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah, director Imtiaz Ali and singer Jasbir Jassi, defended artistic freedom and cautioned against mixing politics with art. Shah told critics to “go to Kailasa,” while those supporting Diljit were ironically told to “go to Pakistan.” Meanwhile, even in Pakistan, both critics and the acting community praised Diljit, especially for Hania Aamir’s impactful debut performance. Diljit’s public stance won many hearts. He clarified that the film had been completed well before the geopolitical events and was released internationally out of respect for domestic sensitivities.
Despite losing Indian screens, Sardaar Ji 3 launched globally on June 27 to packed audiences in Pakistan and across the diaspora. Like his previous Punjabi blockbusters, this film is running to packed houses in Pakistan, where audiences have preferred it over many local productions.
The reason? Well, despite the political backlash, public sentiment largely leaned in favor of Diljit Dosanjh, and that proved to be a crucial factor in the film’s reception and success, especially overseas. On social media, #StandWithDiljit trended briefly and his international fanbase, particularly among the Punjabi diaspora, rallied around the film. Supporters praised his professionalism, applauded his refusal to bow to political pressure and criticized the politicization of cross-border artistic collaborations.
Ironically, the backlash only amplified interest in the film, turning it into a cultural flashpoint, and for many, a bold statement in defense of creative freedom.
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