On June 27, 2025, Indian Punjabi film actress Neeru Bajwa unfollowed Pakistani actress Hania Aamir on Instagram and deleted all promotional posts related to their film Sardaar Ji 3, sparking widespread speculation and debate. The move, reported by Express News and amplified through posts on X by accounts like @UrduNewsCom and @geonews_urdu, has fueled rumors that Bajwa faced threats from extremist Hindu groups due to Aamir’s involvement in the film. Sardaar Ji 3, a horror-comedy starring Diljit Dosanjh and released globally on June 27, 2025, has been mired in controversy in India due to its inclusion of a Pakistani actress, particularly following heightened India-Pakistan tensions after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Bajwa’s actions have raised questions about the pressures faced by artists in cross-border collaborations and the influence of socio-political dynamics on the entertainment industry.
Background of Sardaar Ji 3 and Its Controversy
Sardaar Ji 3, directed by Amar Hundal, is the third installment in the popular Punjabi film franchise featuring Diljit Dosanjh. Hania Aamir’s casting as a lead actress marked her debut in Indian Punjabi cinema, a decision that initially generated excitement but later sparked backlash in India. According to Express News (June 27, 2025), the film was shot in February 2025, before the escalation of tensions following the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people and led to a ban on Pakistani artists by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). The organization demanded Aamir’s removal from the film or a boycott, prompting the filmmakers to opt for a global release outside India, as reported by BBC Urdu. The controversy, coupled with Bajwa’s social media actions, has intensified scrutiny of the film’s cast and its implications for India-Pakistan cinematic collaborations.
Neeru Bajwa’s Social Media Actions
Bajwa’s decision to unfollow Aamir and remove Sardaar Ji 3 promotional content from her official Instagram handle has been widely discussed. Social media users, as noted in posts by @RoznamaTehreek and @Waqtnewstv on June 27, 2025, speculate that Bajwa received threats from extremist groups, pressuring her to distance herself from the film and Aamir. Express News (June 27, 2025) reported that Bajwa’s Instagram, which previously featured behind-the-scenes posts and promotional material for the film, now lacks any mention of Sardaar Ji 3. This sudden shift has led to accusations of succumbing to external pressure, though Bajwa has not publicly confirmed the reasons for her actions. The absence of an official statement has fueled further speculation, with some X users, like @Dailymumtaz1, questioning whether the unfollowing was a personal decision or a response to external threats.
Public and Industry Reactions
The incident has elicited varied responses from fans, industry figures, and netizens. In Pakistan, Sardaar Ji 3 achieved remarkable success, grossing 4.5 crore on its opening day, surpassing the record of Salman Khan’s Sultan, according to Express News (June 29, 2025). Hania Aamir expressed gratitude to her Pakistani fans in a video message, stating, “Your love has taken Sardaar Ji 3 to new heights. I’m thankful to all my Pakistani fans.” Her performance has been praised by critics, marking a significant milestone in her career. However, in India, the film’s release faced resistance, with posts on X by @UrduNewsJed suggesting that Bajwa’s actions reflect the broader hostility toward cross-border collaborations. Diljit Dosanjh’s former manager, Sonali Singh, defended the film, emphasizing its cultural significance and the professionalism of its cast, as reported by ARY News (June 28, 2025).
Speculation About Threats and Extremism
The speculation that Bajwa faced threats from extremist Hindu groups stems from the polarized climate in India following the Pahalgam attack. Express News (June 27, 2025) noted that social media users believe Bajwa’s unfollowing of Aamir and deletion of posts were motivated by pressure from groups opposed to Pakistani artists working in Indian cinema. The FWICE’s call for a ban on Sardaar Ji 3 and its labeling of Aamir’s inclusion as “anti-national” has intensified these tensions, as reported by BBC Urdu. While no concrete evidence of threats has been made public, the narrative aligns with previous instances where Indian artists faced backlash for collaborating with Pakistani talent, such as the 2016 ban on Pakistani actors following the Uri attack. This context, discussed on X by @thematrixloop, highlights the challenges of maintaining artistic ties amid geopolitical conflicts.
Impact on Hania Aamir and the Film’s Reception
Hania Aamir’s debut in Sardaar Ji 3 has been a double-edged sword, earning her acclaim in Pakistan and abroad while drawing criticism in India. Her performance, described as captivating by Express News (June 29, 2025), contributed to the film’s global success, with its high-quality production and depiction of Punjabi culture resonating with audiences. Aamir’s video message, shared on X by @SAMAATV, reflected her gratitude and pride in the project, despite the controversy. However, the backlash in India, coupled with Bajwa’s social media actions, has cast a shadow over her achievement. Fans on X, including @PakDramaFans, have rallied in her support, condemning the politicization of art and praising her professionalism. The film’s decision to bypass an Indian release, as confirmed by Diljit Dosanjh in ARY News (June 27, 2025), underscores the practical implications of such controversies.
Broader Implications for Cross-Border Collaborations
The Sardaar Ji 3 controversy reflects deeper challenges in India-Pakistan cinematic collaborations. The film’s global release, excluding India, highlights the barriers posed by political tensions and nationalist sentiments. Dawn News (June 28, 2025) noted that such incidents discourage cross-border projects, despite their potential to bridge cultural divides. The success of Sardaar Ji 3 in Pakistan, as reported by Express News, signals a demand for inclusive storytelling, yet the resistance in India illustrates the fragility of such efforts. Bajwa’s unfollowing of Aamir, whether due to threats or personal choice, underscores the pressures artists face in navigating geopolitical divides, a sentiment echoed in posts by @AfPak_monitor on X. The incident raises questions about the future of collaborative projects and the role of social media in amplifying or mitigating such conflicts.
The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Tensions
Social media has played a significant role in shaping the narrative around Bajwa’s actions. Platforms like X have been abuzz with speculation, with users like @UrduNewsCom and @RoznamaTehreek questioning the motives behind her unfollowing Aamir. The rapid spread of these posts, coupled with the lack of an official statement from Bajwa, has fueled misinformation and polarized opinions. Some users, as seen in posts by @Jana_Shah, argue that social media amplifies extremist voices, putting undue pressure on artists. Others, like @Kamal804_, defend Bajwa, suggesting that her actions may reflect a need to protect her career in a volatile industry. This dynamic highlights the power of social media in shaping public perception and the challenges of managing online narratives in sensitive contexts.
Looking Ahead: Industry and Cultural Impacts
The Sardaar Ji 3 controversy, compounded by Bajwa’s actions, has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of art, politics, and identity. The film’s success in Pakistan, despite its exclusion from India, demonstrates the resilience of Punjabi cinema and its global appeal. However, the incident also underscores the need for dialogue to protect artistic freedom and foster cross-border collaborations. Industry figures, as reported by Express Tribune (June 29, 2025), have called for mechanisms to shield artists from external pressures, while fans on X advocate for unity through shared cultural narratives. As Sardaar Ji 3 continues to break records globally, its legacy will likely be defined by both its artistic achievements and the challenges it faced in navigating geopolitical tensions.
27 جون 2025 کو بھارتی پنجابی فلموں کی معروف اداکارہ نیرو باجوہ نے پاکستانی اداکارہ ہانیہ عامر کو انسٹاگرام پر ان فالو کر دیا اور اپنی فلم سردار جی 3 سے متعلق تمام پروموشنل پوسٹس حذف کر دیں، جس سے وسیع پیمانے پر قیاس آرائیاں اور بحث شروع ہو گئی۔ ایکسپریس نیوز اور @UrduNewsCom اور @geonews_urdu جیسی ایکس پوسٹس کے ذریعے اس اقدام کی اطلاع نے یہ افواہوں کو ہوا دی کہ باجوہ کو ہانیہ کی فلم میں شمولیت کی وجہ سے انتہا پسند ہندو گروہوں سے دھمکیاں موصول ہوئیں۔ دلجیت دوسانجھ کی اداکاری والی ہارر کامیڈی فلم سردار جی 3، جو 27 جون 2025 کو عالمی سطح پر ریلیز ہوئی، اپریل 2025 کے پہلگام دہشت گرد حملے کے بعد بھارت-پاکستان کشیدگی کی وجہ سے تنازع کا شکار ہوئی۔ باجوہ کے اقدامات نے سرحد پار تعاون کرنے والے فنکاروں پر دباؤ اور تفریحی صنعت پر سماجی-سیاسی حرکیات کے اثرات کے بارے میں سوالات اٹھائے ہیں۔
’سردار جی 3‘ کا پس منظر اور تنازع
امر ہندل کی ہدایت کاری میں بنائی گئی سردار جی 3 مشہور پنجابی فلم فرنچائز کی تیسری قسط ہے، جس میں دلجیت دوسانجھ مرکزی کردار میں ہیں۔ ہانیہ عامر کی بطور لیڈ اداکارہ کاسٹنگ نے ابتدا میں جوش و خروش پیدا کیا، لیکن بعد میں بھارت میں تنقید کا باعث بنا۔ ایکسپریس نیوز (27 جون 2025) کے مطابق، فلم فروری 2025 میں شوٹ کی گئی، جب پہلگام حملے سے قبل حالات معمول پر تھے، جس میں 26 افراد ہلاک ہوئے تھے۔ اس حملے کے بعد فیڈریشن آف ویسٹرن انڈیا سین ای ایمپلائیز (ایف ڈبلیو آئی سی ای) نے پاکستانی فنکاروں پر پابندی لگائی اور ہانیہ کو فلم سے ہٹانے یا بائیکاٹ کا مطالبہ کیا، جیسا کہ بی بی سی اردو نے رپورٹ کیا۔ فلم سازوں نے بھارت کے علاوہ عالمی سطح پر ریلیز کا فیصلہ کیا، لیکن باجوہ کے سوشل میڈیا اقدامات نے فلم کی کاسٹ اور سرحد پار تعاون کے مضمرات پر توجہ مرکوز کر دی۔
نیرو باجوہ کے سوشل میڈیا اقدامات
باجوہ کا ہانیہ کو ان فالو کرنا اور سردار جی 3 سے متعلق پروموشنل مواد اپنے آفیشل انسٹاگرام ہینڈل سے ہٹانا بڑے پیمانے پر زیر بحث آیا۔ @RoznamaTehreek اور @Waqtnewstv کی 27 جون 2025 کی ایکس پوسٹس کے مطابق، سوشل میڈیا صارفین کا خیال ہے کہ باجوہ کو انتہا پسند گروہوں سے دھمکیاں موصول ہوئیں، جس نے انہیں فلم اور ہانیہ سے دوری اختیار کرنے پر مجبور کیا۔ ایکسپریس نیوز (27 جون 2025) نے رپورٹ کیا کہ باجوہ کا انسٹاگرام، جو پہلے فلم کے بیک اسٹیج مواد سے بھرا تھا، اب اس کا کوئی ذکر نہیں رکھتا۔ اس اچانک تبدیلی نے بیرونی دباؤ کے سامنے جھکنے کے الزامات کو جنم دیا، حالانکہ باجوہ نے اپنے اقدامات کی وجوہات کی تصدیق نہیں کی۔ سرکاری بیان کی عدم موجودگی نے قیاس آرائیوں کو ہوا دی، جیسا کہ @Dailymumtaz1 کی پوسٹس میں دیکھا گیا۔
عوامی اور صنعتی ردعمل
اس واقعے نے مداحوں، صنعتی شخصیات، اور نیٹیزنز سے مختلف ردعمل حاصل کیے۔ پاکستان میں سردار جی 3 نے پہلے دن 4.5 کروڑ کا ریکارڈ بزنس کیا، جو سلمان خان کی سلطان سے زیادہ ہے، جیسا کہ ایکسپریس نیوز (29 جون 2025) نے رپورٹ کیا۔ ہانیہ عامر نے ایک ویڈیو پیغام میں پاکستانی مداحوں کا شکریہ ادا کیا، کہتے ہوئے، “آپ کی محبت نے سردار جی 3 کو کامیابی کی بلندیوں تک پہنچایا۔” ان کی اداکاری کی ناقدین نے تعریف کی، لیکن بھارت میں فلم کو مزاحمت کا سامنا کرنا پڑا۔ @UrduNewsJed کی ایکس پوسٹس نے تجویز کیا کہ باجوہ کے اقدامات سرحد پار تعاون کے خلاف دشمنی کی عکاسی کرتے ہیں۔ دلجیت دوسانجھ کی سابقہ مینیجر سونالی سنگھ نے فلم کی ثقافتی اہمیت کی حمایت کی، جیسا کہ اے آر وائی نیوز (28 جون 2025) نے رپورٹ کیا۔
