Pakistani actress Hania Aamir has made her Indian film debut in Sardaar Ji 3, but the movie will not be released in Indian cinemas due to rising tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi. Despite the political hurdles, the film is set to release internationally on June 27.
Rumors had previously suggested that Hania was dropped from the film following pressure from Indian film bodies. However, she silenced the speculation by sharing the official trailer on her Instagram, which confirmed her role as a ghostbuster alongside lead actor Diljit Dosanjh.
Indian film groups like the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had reportedly urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to block the movie’s release in India. Their calls came after the April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which renewed a media ban on Pakistani celebrities.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated further in May when the Pakistan Air Force downed six Indian jets in response to missile strikes. This political fallout disrupted several film projects, including Abir Gulaal featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, which was also banned.
Despite the challenges, fans across the globe praised Hania Aamir’s resilience. Fellow Pakistani stars like Mahira Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Zara Noor Abbas, and Yasir Hussain extended their support. Yasir even called the film “historic” for keeping Hania in the cast despite political pressure.
Additionally, Instagram restricted access to several Pakistani celebrity profiles in India, including Hania’s. But fans outside India are eagerly awaiting the international release, celebrating her breakthrough in cross-border cinema during a politically sensitive time.