As diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan continue to cast a shadow over cultural collaborations, Canadian-Indian actress Neeru Bajwa has reportedly unfollowed her Sardaar Ji 3 co-star Hania Aamir on Instagram and removed all promotional posts related to the film from her social media—just hours before its international release on Friday.
The move comes amid growing backlash in India over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the Punjabi-language horror-comedy, which also stars popular singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh.
Neither Neeru Bajwa nor Hania Aamir has commented publicly on the matter, but many in the industry believe Bajwa’s decision may be a reaction to the mounting criticism from right-wing groups online. Several users accused Bajwa of “betraying national sentiment” for working with a Pakistani artist, particularly in light of rising tensions after a deadly attack in Pahalgam earlier this year.
Sources close to the production revealed that the film was completed earlier in the year—before a renewed, unofficial ban on Pakistani talent in Indian cinema was put back into effect. Still, as political tensions flared, social media backlash intensified, prompting the film’s producers to call off all promotional events in India.
The controversy has sparked debate within entertainment circles, with some calling for art to remain separate from politics, while others argue that national sensitivities must be respected—especially during times of heightened geopolitical strain.
