Diljit's 'Sardaar Ji 3' to only release in overseas territories after row over Hania Aamir's casting
New Delhi, Jun 23 (PTI): Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh's new movie "Sardaar Ji 3" will only be released in overseas territories following controversy and calls for boycott over the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir.
The movie, the third in Dosanjh's horror comedy franchise, will release in theatres outside India on June 27.
"'Sardaar Ji 3' Releasing 27th June overseas only. Fadh Lao Bhoond Dian Lattan," the actor-singer posted on Instagram.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) criticised Dosanjh and the movie's team for casting Aamir in the movie.
"Despite knowing the recent brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, in which 26 innocent Indian lives were lost at the hands of Pakistani-sponsored terrorists, Diljit Dosanjh has shockingly chosen to cast a Pakistani artist.
"This decision comes at a time when the entire nation—140 crore Indians, the government, the opposition, and citizens across all walks of life—are united against Pakistan and standing in solidarity with the families of the martyred," the organisation said in a statement.
Through his actions, the AICWA said, Dosanjh has disrespected the sentiments of the nation and insulted the sacrifice of soldiers and civilians.
"His preference for Pakistani talent over Indian artists raises serious questions about his loyalty and priorities," it added.
Aamir's presence in the movie has irked many social media users, who expressed their disappointment in the comments section of Dosanjh's post.
"Boycott," wrote one of the users.
"Diljit Dosanjh is a traitor," another user said.
"Country first, boycott @diljitdosanjh @teamdiljitglobal," wrote another.
Hostilities between India and Pakistan intensified following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22.
In response, Indian armed forces hit nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7 under the codename Operation Sindoor.
In the aftermath of the terror attack, social media accounts of many Pakistani actors, including Hania, Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, were withheld in India. PTI ATR
Around the same time, "Abir Gulaal", a romantic drama featuring Pakistani star Fawad Khan, was not allowed to release in theatres in India.
Directed by Amar Hundal, "Sardaar Ji 3" is produced by Gunbir Singh Sidhu and Manmord Sidhu of White Hill Studios alongside Story Time Productions.
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SIT formed to probe second sexual assault case against expelled Cong MLA Mamkootathil
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe a second case of sexual assault against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, police officials said on Friday.
The SIT will be led by G Poonguzhali, Assistant Inspector General at the Police Headquarters.
The team also includes a DSP rank officer and sub-inspectors, officials added.
The second sexual assault complaint was received by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, which it forwarded to the state police chief.
ALSO READ: Cong expels rape-accused MLA Mamkootathil from party's primary membership
Following this, the Crime Branch registered a case and launched an investigation.
Crime Branch officials said the email complaint contained only the sender's email ID and no other contact details.
As part of the probe, they have sent a reply email requesting that the complainant contact them and provide her statement.
The complainant has alleged that she was sexually assaulted under the false promise of marriage, a Crime Branch official said.
However, details such as the location and date of the alleged incident are not currently available to the police.
The SIT will attempt to trace the sender of the email and record her statement, which is crucial for further investigation, the officer said.
Mamkootathil was expelled from the Congress party on Thursday after a court here rejected his anticipatory bail petition in another rape case.
Police said he is currently absconding, and a manhunt is underway in Kerala and neighbouring states.
