India, June 25 -- Amid growing backlash over roping in Hania Aamir in Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaar Ji 3, and calls to ban the film, the makers have released a statement addressing the controversy, where they defended the casting of the Pakistani actor in the project. Also read: Diljit Dosanjh breaks silence on Sardaarji 3 skipping India release: 'Bahut saari cheezein humare haath mein nahi hai'

The film's producers released a statement on Tuesday defending their decision to cast Hania, saying she was signed on before tensions escalated between India and Pakistan. They cited this as the reason for not releasing the film in India, given the current climate.

"This is to bring to everyone's kind notice that the film named, Sardaarji 3, was shot...