Casting Before Attack: ‘Sardaarji 3’ Makers Clarify Hania Aamir Was Signed Prior to Pahalgam Tragedy
Mumbai, June 26, 2025 — Amid rising criticism and online backlash over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the upcoming Punjabi film Sardaarji 3, the makers have issued an official clarification stating that her selection was made well before the tragic Pahalgam terror attack.
The controversy erupted after photos and videos of Hania Aamir surfaced from the film’s ongoing shoot, drawing sharp reactions from certain sections of social media, with many questioning the inclusion of a Pakistani national in an Indian film at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries.
🎬 Production Statement: "Casting Finalized Months Ago"
In a statement released by the production house, the filmmakers emphasized that the decision to cast Hania Aamir was made months in advance and was purely professional, based on her talent and popularity across South Asia.
“We strongly condemn the attack in Pahalgam and stand in solidarity with the families affected. However, the casting of Ms. Hania Aamir in Sardaarji 3 was finalized much before this tragic incident. Linking the two events is misleading and unfair to the artists and the creative process,” the official note read.
🔥 Social Media Outrage vs. Industry Perspective
The online uproar gained momentum with hashtags such as #BoycottSardaarji3 and #BanPakArtists trending on X (formerly Twitter), with several users calling for a re-casting of the role. However, others from the film fraternity have called for restraint, asking audiences to separate politics from art.
Noted filmmaker Anurag Kashyap commented,
“Cinema is a bridge. We've worked with actors from across the world, including Pakistan, for years. It’s painful to see art being pulled into political storms.”
🎥 About the Film
Sardaarji 3 is the latest installment in the hugely popular Punjabi comedy-action franchise, starring [REDACTED FOR NEUTRALITY]. The film is currently being shot in Europe and India, with a planned release later this year.
Hania Aamir, known for her performances in Pakistani dramas and films, is making her Indian debut with this project.
🇮🇳 The Larger Debate
This controversy echoes earlier debates in Bollywood over Pakistani artists’ participation post the 2016 Uri attacks. While bans were temporarily enforced, calls for cultural boycotts have resurfaced during each India-Pakistan conflict or border-related incident.
📢 What’s Next?
As Sardaarji 3 heads toward completion, the production team has appealed for understanding and asked audiences to focus on the film’s message of unity and cultural exchange. Whether the public accepts this reasoning or the backlash intensifies remains to be seen.