Diljit Dosanjh Breaks Silence on ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Controversy, Backs Overseas Release Amid Backlash Over Hania Aamir’s Casting

Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has finally spoken out about the controversy surrounding his upcoming film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, which has drawn sharp criticism over the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir. In a recent interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit clarified that the film was shot in February 2025, well before the Pahalgam terror attack and the escalation in India-Pakistan tensions. “Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation sab theek tha. We shot this in February and then everything was fine,” Diljit said, explaining that the situation drastically changed after the shoot was completed. Following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people lost their lives, Indian film associations announced a blanket ban on collaboration with Pakistani artists. Despite this, the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Hania Aamir, was released on June 23, triggering a massive backlash from several industry bodies. In response to the criticism, Diljit emphasized that many things were beyond the team’s control. “Uske baad, bahut saari badi cheezen humare haath mein nahi hai. Toh producers ne decide kiya ki film obviously ab India toh nahi lagegi, toh overseas release karte hain,” he said. “The producers have invested a lot of money, and when this film was being made, none of this was happening.” Diljit also extended full support to the producers’ decision to release the film overseas, saying, “They know there will be a loss because you’re removing an entire territory… Now, the situation is not in our hands. So, if the producers want to release it abroad, I support them.” The controversy has snowballed, with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) demanding a ban on Diljit Dosanjh, along with the film’s producers and director. The association has gone a step further, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revoke their passports and cancel their citizenship, calling their actions “anti-national.” Despite the furore, the Sardaar Ji 3 team maintains that the project was completed in good faith before political tensions escalated. The film’s future in Indian cinemas remains uncertain.

Amitabh Bachchan Lauds Son Abhishek for Taking on Challenging Roles: “He Dared to Act and Be Recognised”

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan recently took to his blog on Tumblr to express heartfelt admiration for his son Abhishek Bachchan, praising him for his courage to embrace unconventional and demanding roles throughout his career. The 82-year-old megastar quoted renowned Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, writing: “Success comes to those who dare and act… Abhishek has ever done that. He has dared to take on films and characters that challenged him… and he ‘acted’. He dared to act and be recognised.” Clarifying that the word “act” extended beyond performance on stage or screen, Amitabh emphasized the importance of boldness and initiative in life itself. A Father’s Poetic Reflection In a deeply introspective moment, Amitabh also quoted his own father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, saying: “My sons, just because you are my sons shall not be my inheritors… They that shall be my inheritors, shall be my sons.” This powerful line seemed to underscore his belief in merit over lineage, further highlighting his genuine admiration for Abhishek’s choices and growth as an actor. “There is immense admiration for Abhishek,” Amitabh concluded, summing up his pride. Abhishek Bachchan: A Career of Bold Choices Abhishek, now 49, made his debut in 2000 with Refugee, opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan. Over the years, he has become known for his eclectic filmography — ranging from action and comedy to political and offbeat dramas. Notable performances include: Most recently, he starred in Housefull 5, directed by Tarun Mansukhani, alongside Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh. Abhishek is next set to headline Kaalidhar Laapata, a ZEE5 film releasing in theatres on July 4. In a world where star kids are often scrutinized for taking the easy road, Amitabh’s words come as a sincere acknowledgment of Abhishek’s individual journey — one defined by risks, reinvention, and resilience.

Jaideep Ahlawat Confirms Role in SRK’s ‘King’; Credits Shah Rukh Khan for Personally Bringing Him on Board

Acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat has officially confirmed his role in the much-anticipated action-thriller ‘King’, which stars Shah Rukh Khan and is directed by Siddharth Anand. In a recent interview, Ahlawat revealed that it was SRK himself who made the final call to bring him into the project, despite initial hesitations from the director. “SRK sir had been thinking about this for quite some time… But Khan saab being Khan saab, he said, ‘I’ll talk to him.’ Now who could say no to him?” Ahlawat shared, shedding light on how the superstar personally intervened when Siddharth Anand hesitated, reportedly due to the role being a smaller one following Ahlawat’s powerful turn in Jewel Thief. A Warm Bond with SRK Ahlawat, known for his intense roles and commanding screen presence, also recalled his earlier interactions with Shah Rukh Khan on the sets of Raees: “He’s a wonderful human being… Every time I’ve met him, he’s made me feel important,” the Paatal Lok star said, praising Khan’s humility and warmth. What We Know About King Currently in production, King is one of Bollywood’s most anticipated action films, reuniting Shah Rukh Khan with Pathaan director Siddharth Anand. The film also features SRK’s daughter Suhana Khan, who is set to make her big-screen debut, and Saurabh Shukla in pivotal roles. Though the full ensemble is yet to be officially announced, reports suggest a star-studded cast that includes: Jaideep Ahlawat: Rising Star Ahlawat was most recently seen in Jewel Thief, where he earned widespread praise for his layered villainous role and surprising dance sequences, proving his versatility as a performer. Awaiting the Release While no official release date for King has been confirmed, the film is expected to be a major cinematic event, combining Shah Rukh Khan’s charisma with Siddharth Anand’s action expertise and a power-packed supporting cast.

Mohanlal Confirms ‘Drishyam 3’ Shoot Begins in October 2025; Ajay Devgn’s Hindi Version to Roll Simultaneously

Mohanlal is officially returning as Georgekutty in the highly awaited third installment of the Drishyam franchise. The Malayalam superstar announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Drishyam 3 will begin filming in October 2025, reigniting excitement for one of Indian cinema’s most iconic thriller sagas. In a video shared on his official handle, Mohanlal offered a nostalgic tease with a close-up of Georgekutty, followed by a handshake with director Jeethu Joseph and producer Anthony Perumbavoor. He captioned it: “October 2025 – the camera turns back to Georgekutty. The past never stays silent. #Drishyam3” Hindi ‘Drishyam 3’ Also Set for October Shoot Adding to the intrigue, Ajay Devgn will also kick off the Hindi version of Drishyam 3 around the same time. According to Pinkvilla, Devgn begins shooting on October 2, 2025—a date that holds symbolic value in the Drishyam universe due to its recurring mention in the plot. A source told Pinkvilla: “The Gandhi Jayanti date holds a lot of significance for the franchise, and hence they’re starting the final Drishyam film from October 2. It will be a 3-month marathon schedule, shot across real locations in Maharashtra as well as on studio sets. Ajay Devgn has locked his dates for this.” What Mohanlal Has Said About the Sequel In a previous interview, Mohanlal acknowledged the pressure of delivering a worthy sequel to a franchise that has grown both critically and commercially with each film. He assured fans that Drishyam 3 will aim to push boundaries with a fresh and gripping storyline. “The stakes are high with each sequel, and we’re doing everything we can to make it worthwhile for the audience,” he said. In Summary With both stars gearing up for simultaneous shoots, Drishyam 3 promises to be a climactic, cross-language cinematic event to watch for in 2026.

Trisha Krishnan’s Birthday Post for Vijay Fuels Dating Rumours Again — Uma Krishnan’s Reaction Adds to Speculation

Social media is abuzz yet again with speculation about actors Trisha Krishnan and Thalapathy Vijay, following a seemingly intimate birthday post from Trisha. The photo shows Trisha lovingly watching Vijay as he plays with her pet dog, Izzy, and she captioned it, “Happy Birthday bestest 🤗🧿”. Fans immediately flooded the comment section with heart emojis, calling the pair “two cuties” and a “lovely couple”. But it didn’t end there — the post triggered widespread analysis on Reddit and beyond, with many believing Trisha may be making her relationship with Vijay public. What’s Stirring the Rumour Mill? A History of Chemistry and Rumours Trisha and Vijay have long shared on-screen chemistry, having worked together in hits like Ghilli, Leo, and her cameo in the upcoming The GOAT. Dating rumours first ignited when Trisha posted a mirror selfie with Vijay on his 50th birthday in 2024, and intensified when the duo was spotted vacationing together in Goa. But There’s a Catch Vijay is married to Sangeetha since 1999, and they have two children. Despite their extremely private life, fans have often speculated about trouble in the marriage, although there’s been no official confirmation. Trisha has also remained single publicly, and her posts about Vijay are now viewed through an increasingly speculative lens. The Internet Reacts On Reddit, reactions ranged from surprise to sarcasm: What Now? Neither Vijay nor Trisha has officially commented on their relationship status, and the actor is known to be fiercely private. But with public posts, family engagement, and social media sleuthing all adding layers to the story, fans and gossip circles are watching closely. Whether it’s a PR move, an inside joke, or a subtle declaration of love — Trisha’s birthday post has definitely set tongues wagging.

Rapper Tommy Genesis Faces Backlash for Portraying Goddess Kali in Explicit Music Video

Canadian rapper Tommy Genesis is facing intense backlash online after releasing the music video for her latest track True Blue, in which she appears dressed as the Hindu goddess Maa Kaali. The video, released over the weekend, has been criticised for cultural appropriation and religious insensitivity, with many calling it disrespectful towards both Hinduism and Christianity. Controversial Portrayal Tommy Genesis — whose real name is Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj — is of Tamil and Swedish descent. Known for pushing boundaries in her music and fashion, she has previously been hailed as “the internet’s most rebellious underground rap queen” by Dazed magazine. However, her depiction of Maa Kaali has drawn strong condemnation. In the video, Genesis appears with: At various points, she folds her hands in a Namaste gesture and licks a Christian crucifix, which many viewers saw as doubly offensive. The juxtaposition of sacred religious symbols with sexualised imagery and irreverent gestures quickly went viral, but not in the way the artist may have hoped. Outrage Across Social Media Outrage spread swiftly across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. One user remarked: “Somehow you’ve managed to offend Christians and Hindus in the same video. Achievement.” Others accused her of treating Hindu iconography as a fashion statement, saying: “It’s become a trend to mock Hinduism for likes and views. If this were done to another religion, the outrage would be global.” Criticism was not limited to Hindus. Christian viewers also expressed concern over her treatment of the crucifix, calling it “sacrilegious” and “cheap provocation.” Instagram comments reflected similar anger: “Ah yes, nothing says spiritual awakening like a bindi at Coachella. Stop using our culture for your aesthetic.” “Appropriating Hindu culture is not art—it’s ignorance dressed up as creativity.” No Public Response Yet As of now, Tommy Genesis has not publicly responded to the backlash. The video remains live, but with a growing number of dislikes and angry comments calling for it to be taken down or at least for an apology. This incident has reignited debates about cultural appropriation vs. artistic expression, with many arguing that religious and cultural symbols are not costumes or props for shock value.

Thalapathy Vijay’s Final Film ‘Jana Nayagan’ Unveils First Look and Teaser on His 51st Birthday

In a spectacular celebration of Thalapathy Vijay’s 51st birthday on June 22, fans were gifted the much-awaited first glimpse of his final cinematic outing — Jana Nayagan. At midnight, composer Anirudh Ravichander unveiled the teaser video, titled “The First Roar”, setting social media ablaze with excitement. The teaser begins with a powerful line: “A true leader rises not for power, but for people.” This sets the stage for Vijay’s character — a fierce protector of justice and a man of the people. Dressed as a police officer, wielding a katana, and walking through a town engulfed in flames, Vijay’s commanding screen presence signals a story of rebellion, sacrifice, and mass appeal. 🔥 High-Voltage Action & Powerful Imagery Directed by H. Vinoth, Jana Nayagan appears to blend high-stakes action with a socially charged narrative. The teaser promises an emotional and impactful send-off for Vijay as he transitions from cinema to politics. 🌟 Star-Studded Ensemble The film boasts a stellar cast, including: Each brings unique weight and charisma to the film, making Jana Nayagan a grand cinematic event. 🎬 Behind the Scenes Anirudh’s music and background score have already stirred fans’ emotions, with “The First Roar” trending across platforms within minutes of release. 🎭 Vijay’s Final Bow Before Politics As Vijay prepares for a full-time political journey, Jana Nayagan marks the culmination of an iconic film career. The film is being viewed not just as a cinematic release but as a farewell gift from the star to his legion of fans. With its gripping teaser, powerful theme, and Vijay at his most intense, Jana Nayagan is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of 2025. Fans now eagerly await the announcement of the film’s release date and trailer in the coming months.

Salman Khan Opens Up About Battling Serious Health Conditions on The Great Indian Kapil Show

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan recently appeared as the first guest on the new season of The Great Indian Kapil Show, where he candidly discussed his ongoing health struggles, putting to rest recent speculation about his well-being. “I’m Still Working Despite Everything” In a lighthearted yet revealing conversation with host Kapil Sharma, Salman surprised fans by detailing the multiple serious medical conditions he has been silently enduring. “Hum ye jo daily ki haddiyan tudwa rahe hain, pasliyan toot gayi, trigeminal neuralgia ke sath kaam kar rahe hain, aneurysm hai brain mein, uske bawajood kaam kar rahe hain. AV malformation hai, uske bawajood chal rahe hain,” Salman shared.(“I’m out here breaking my bones every day – ribs are fractured. I’m working despite having trigeminal neuralgia, a brain aneurysm, and an AV malformation. Yet, I’m still going.”) Despite appearing physically fit, the actor acknowledged that these conditions continue to affect him. He also made a humorous but poignant remark about why he’s remained unmarried, saying: “Aur jahan unka mood satka, woh aadha humara leke chala gaya… wapis se kama lete. Ab wapis se…”(“And if her mood turns sour, she’ll take away half of what I have. Had this happened when I was younger, I could’ve earned it all back. But now, starting over is tough.”) What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia, Aneurysm & AV Malformation? Salman first revealed his diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia in 2017 during a promotional event in Dubai for Tubelight. The rare neurological disorder, often dubbed the “suicide disease”, causes extreme facial pain and can be triggered by simple activities like eating or brushing teeth. He has now added that he also suffers from: Salman’s Resilience and Fan Admiration Despite these life-threatening conditions, Salman Khan continues to maintain a demanding work schedule and remains active in both film and television. Fans have taken to social media to express admiration for his resilience and dedication, praising his transparency and grit. His appearance on the show was not only entertaining but also a reminder of the hidden battles public figures often face behind the glamour.

Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3, Featuring Hania Aamir, to Release Overseas Only Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh’s much-awaited film Sardaar Ji 3 will now release exclusively overseas on June 27, 2025, after being barred from a theatrical release in India due to heightened political and security tensions between India and Pakistan. The film, which stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a lead role, became a point of contention after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which strained cross-border cultural relations. As a result, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) requested the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny certification, citing the inclusion of several Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela. Trailer Geo-Blocked in India On Sunday, Diljit shared the official trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 on Instagram with the caption: “Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only/ FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN.” The trailer is geo-blocked on YouTube in India, with a message stating: “The uploader has not made this video available in your country.” However, the film’s teaser and songs remain accessible to Indian audiences online. Interestingly, Hania Aamir does not appear in the teaser, though she features prominently in the full trailer. Plot and Cast Set in the UK, Sardaar Ji 3 is a supernatural action-comedy featuring Diljit as a quirky ghost hunter tasked with exorcising a mischievous spirit from a haunted mansion. Hania Aamir plays a fellow ghostbuster, and the story also includes Neeru Bajwa as a romantic rival, resulting in a comedic love triangle. Hania Aamir’s Online Presence Blocked Following Operation Sindoor, which was India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Hania Aamir’s Instagram profile was also blocked in India. The actress reportedly faced backlash for her alleged anti-India remarks on social media, adding fuel to the controversy. No Indian Theatrical Release Amid mounting pressure, the producers ultimately opted to skip the Indian theatrical release altogether, choosing instead to launch the film globally (excluding India) on June 27. The decision was made to avoid further controversy and comply with the advisory issued by FWICE. In Summary The controversy marks yet another instance of art being impacted by geopolitics, as cultural collaborations between Indian and Pakistani artists remain under intense scrutiny.

Mahesh Babu Praises Aamir Khan’s ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’: “It’ll Make You Laugh, Cry and Clap!”

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to shower praise on Aamir Khan’s latest film, Sitaare Zameen Par. The heartfelt appreciation comes as the sports dramedy continues to win hearts and dominate the box office, earning nearly ₹60 crore in its opening weekend. In his post, Mahesh Babu wrote: “Sitaare Zameen Par shines so bright and how! It’ll make you laugh, cry and clap!! Like all Aamir Khan’s classics, you’ll walk out with a big smile on your face. Love and Respect.” The SSMB29 star also gave a special shout-out to Aamir and the team for crafting a film that blends emotion with entertainment, calling it a worthy addition to Khan’s legacy of meaningful cinema. About the Film Directed by RS Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par is touted as a spiritual successor to Aamir’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. The film follows the journey of a basketball coach, played by Khan, who is assigned to train neurodivergent adults as part of his community service after a DUI conviction. What starts as a reluctant obligation gradually transforms into a powerful and life-affirming experience for both the coach and the team. The film stars Aamir Khan and Genelia D’Souza, along with neurodivergent individuals cast in prominent roles—marking a significant step towards inclusion in mainstream Indian cinema. A Critical and Commercial Success With glowing reviews and strong word-of-mouth, Sitaare Zameen Par has struck a chord with audiences across the country. It collected ₹59.90 crore nett in India within just three days, with a particularly strong surge in Sunday collections. What’s Next for Mahesh Babu? Mahesh Babu, meanwhile, is gearing up for the highly anticipated SSMB29, directed by SS Rajamouli. The big-budget pan-India film also stars Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, promising a cinematic spectacle that has already generated massive buzz in Telugu and national film circuits. With Mahesh Babu praising Sitaare Zameen Par, the film’s cultural impact continues to grow—reaffirming Aamir Khan’s reputation as a pioneer of socially resonant storytelling in Indian cinema.

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