Vaani Kapoor has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh's decision to release his film Sardaar Ji 3, which stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, amidst tensions between India and Pakistan. The release of Sardaar Ji 3 coincided with Vaani Kapoor's own film, Abir Gulaal, facing setbacks after a terror attack.

Sardaar Ji 3, a Punjabi-language horror comedy, was released internationally on June 27, 2025, but not in India. This decision followed objections from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) due to the inclusion of Pakistani actors in the film, particularly Hania Aamir. The film's trailer, released on June 22, revealed Aamir's involvement, sparking controversy. Despite the controversy, Sardaar Ji 3 has become a major success overseas, grossing over INR 150 crore.

Vaani Kapoor addressed the situation, emphasizing that Diljit likely had significant financial investments in the film, involving numerous technicians, and that the project was probably filmed before the tragic incident. She stated that she doesn't believe there was any intention to disrespect the nation and that Diljit made the decision based on what he felt was appropriate. "He has taken measures as per whatever he thought was suitable to him," Vaani said. She further added, "I am assuming his film was shot before the atrocious attack and I am assuming as a producer his money must have been stuck".

The backdrop to this situation includes the controversy surrounding Vaani Kapoor's film Abir Gulaal, which was slated to release on May 9, 2025, and features Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. Following a terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, where 26 tourists were killed, the film faced public outrage and boycott calls. The FWICE announced a ban on Pakistani artists and stated they would take steps to ensure Abir Gulaal was not released in India. Amidst the tensions, all traces of Abir Gulaal, including posters and photos with Fawad Khan, were removed from Vaani Kapoor's Instagram account.

Vaani Kapoor's response highlights the complexities faced by filmmakers when dealing with cross-border collaborations amidst political tensions. She acknowledged the difficult position Diljit Dosanjh was in, balancing his professional commitments with the prevailing sentiments in India. She stated, "as far as she knows, no laws were broken in the process".

The Sardaar Ji 3 controversy also reflects the broader challenges faced by the Indian film industry concerning collaborations with Pakistani artists. In the past, similar situations have led to public apologies and pledges to avoid working with Pakistani artists. Despite these challenges, Sardaar Ji 3's success in the overseas market demonstrates the popularity of Punjabi cinema and Diljit Dosanjh's global appeal.