Neeru Bajwa, the female lead of the Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3, has publicly distanced herself from the project amid ongoing controversy surrounding the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. On the day of the film’s overseas release, June 27, Neeru unfollowed her co-stars Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir on Instagram. She also removed all promotional content related to the film, including trailers and songs, from her social media pages, signaling a clear attempt to separate herself from the title. Her latest post promotes an upcoming Hindi film, Son of Sardaar 2, featuring Ajay Devgn.

The controversy centers on Hania Aamir’s inclusion in Sardaar Ji 3 at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. While the filmmakers and Diljit Dosanjh have defended the casting choice, stating it was finalized before the diplomatic strain, critics have been vocal. Several cinema organizations have demanded bans on Diljit, questioning his patriotism and even petitioning the Prime Minister to revoke his citizenship. The backlash has fueled heated debate among fans and the industry alike, with many accusing the film’s cast and creators of disregarding national sentiment.

Neeru Bajwa’s distancing has been widely praised on social media. Fans on platforms like Reddit have called her actions “brave” and respectful, noting that such a stance might come at a career cost given the political sensitivity. Meanwhile, many have criticized Diljit Dosanjh for continuing to defend the casting, warning that his public image and fan goodwill could suffer long-term damage. Sardaar Ji 3, directed by Amar Hundal, is one of the most expensive Punjabi films and the third installment in a popular franchise. Due to the backlash, it has been released only internationally and not in India.