In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the entertainment industry is facing some significant shifts. Here's a breakdown of the latest developments:
Sardaar Ji 3 Producer Takes a Firm Stand
The Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa starrer "Sardaar Ji 3," a horror-comedy, has found itself in the middle of a controversy due to the inclusion of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a supporting role. The film was shot prior to the recent Pahalgam attack in April, which heightened tensions between the two nations and led to a ban on Pakistani artists working in India.
Following the trailer release, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) threatened to ban Diljit Dosanjh if the film was released abroad. The makers of "Sardaar Ji 3" have since issued a statement clarifying their position. They emphasized that the film was shot before the Pahalgam attack and that no Pakistani artist was engaged after the tragic event. In solidarity with India, the producers decided not to release the film or any promotional content in India "until the situation becomes opportune".
Gunbir Singh Sidhu, one of the film's producers, stated that the decision not to release the film in India was made to avoid hurting the sentiments of the Indian people. However, the film will be released internationally. He also revealed that the film has suffered a 40% revenue loss due to not being released in India.
Amid the controversy, Neeru Bajwa, has deleted all promotional material for the film from her social media accounts.
Adding another layer to the situation, several Pakistani artists, including Hania Aamir, have had their social media accounts restricted in India. Despite the controversy and the film’s ban in India, "Sardaar Ji 3" has been cleared for release in Pakistan. One of the film's producers, Zain Wali, is Pakistani, and three Pakistani censor boards have approved the film for screening. It is considered a Punjabi international film rather than an Indian film.
TMKOC Stars: Are Jethalal and Babita Ji Leaving?
"Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah" (TMKOC), a long-running and beloved Indian sitcom, has been the subject of recent speculation regarding the departure of two of its most popular characters: Jethalal, played by Dilip Joshi, and Babita Ji, played by Munmun Dutta.
The rumors began circulating after viewers noticed the absence of Jethalal and Babita Ji from the current storyline, which revolves around the Gokuldham society members visiting a haunted bungalow. This absence led to concerns that the actors may have quietly exited the show.
However, the show's production house has officially addressed these rumors, confirming that both Dilip Joshi and Munmun Dutta remain integral parts of "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah". The current storyline explains Jethalal's absence as being due to a business trip, while Babita Ji and Iyer are said to be vacationing in Mahabaleshwar.
Both Dilip Joshi and Munmun Dutta have been with TMKOC since its beginning, and their on-screen chemistry has become a beloved element of the show's charm.