Actor Vaani Kapoor has spoken out in support of Diljit Dosanjh’s decision to release Sardaar Ji 3 overseas, amid backlash over the film’s casting and timing. Following strained India Pakistan relations after the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025 and the subsequent ban on Pakistani artistes, the film’s India release was called off. However, Diljit and the makers went ahead with an international release on 27 June.
Vaani, whose own Indo-Pak project Abir Gulaal with Fawad Khan was stalled post the attack, reacted to the situation during an interview. “I am assuming his film was shot before the atrocious attack, and I am assuming as a producer his money must have been stuck. I guess some 100 technicians were involved in making the film. The situation was different when the film was shot,” she said.
Addressing the controversy, she added, “I don’t think he was meaning to disrespect the nation. He is a global star… He is looked up to globally. He has taken measures as per whatever he thought was suitable to him. But I don’t think any laws have been broken, right?”
Despite facing calls for a ban from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, Sardaar Ji 3 went on to become the highest grossing Punjabi film of the year, collecting over ₹50 crore internationally. The film stars Pakistani actor Hania Aamir and was praised for its cross-border collaboration, though it stirred strong opinions in the Indian industry.
Vaani was last seen in Mandala Murders and will next appear in Badtameez Gill, directed by Navjot Gulati. The film also stars Aparshakti Khurana and Paresh Rawal, with its release date yet to be announced.