Javed Akhtar REACTS to Sardaar Ji 3 backlash over Hania Aamir’s casting: “No Pakistani money is at stake, only Indian money is”

Ever since the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 was released, Diljit Dosanjh has remained in the headlines. While some are calling for a ban on the actor-singer, others are empathizing with the producers, citing their lack of control over the recent conflict. Now, renowned writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the release of Sardaar Ji 3.

Speaking at NDTV’s Creators Manch, Akhtar said, “Ab kya karein bechara. The movie was shot earlier. Usko pata toh nahin tha ki aisa hoga. Ismein Pakistani aadmi ka paisa toh nahin doobega, Hindustani ka paisa doobega. Toh phir kya faayda? (Translation: “What can he do now? The film was shot earlier. He didn’t know this would happen. No Pakistani money is at stake, only Indian money is. So what’s the point of halting it?)”

For the uninitiated, both the film and Diljit are facing backlash over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in an Indian production. The criticism intensified after the Pahalgam terror attack, which was followed by India’s counter-operation, Operation Sindoor. Hania Aamir was among several Pakistani artists who publicly criticized the operation, further fuelling outrage.

He further added, “Usko pehle pata hota yeh hone wala hai, toh woh thodi na leta Pakistani actress. I think the government and the censor board should look at the situation with a little sympathy. And say that don’t do this again, but since you made this film before, release it. But it should not happen again.”

Akhtar’s remarks come at a time when Diljit Dosanjh is under increasing scrutiny. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) recently sent a letter to filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, urging him to cut ties with the singer-actor. Imtiaz is working with Diljit on an upcoming untitled film, which is set for a Baisakhi 2026 release.

Amid the ongoing controversy, there were also reports suggesting that Diljit had been dropped from Border 2. However, these reports were later denied. As of now, Diljit Dosanjh has not publicly addressed the situation.

It’s worth noting that, due to rising Indo-Pak tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 opted for an overseas-only release. The film was released internationally on June 27, 2025, skipping its domestic release entirely.

Also Read: Mika Singh urges Diljit Dosanjh to apologise over Hania Aamir’s casting in Sardaar Ji 3: “He must apologise and remove all the objectionable scenes from the movie”

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