Kuala Lumpur: Popular Punjabi artist Diljit Dosanjh has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his upcoming film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, which has come under intense scrutiny for casting a Pakistani actress. The backlash grew stronger in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and the high-profile India-Pakistan cricket match, sparking online debate over patriotism, timing, and intent.
Speaking on stage during the Malaysia leg of his Aura Tour, Dosanjh addressed the audience with visible emotion, sharing his disappointment over the narrative being pushed around the film’s release.
“We stand by our country — always have, always will,” he said, adding, “But linking a film made months ago with current tensions is simply unfair.”
View this post on Instagram
Film Shot Long Before Political Tensions Escalated, Says Dosanjh
The film, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, was shot earlier this year under relatively stable diplomatic conditions. Dosanjh pointed out that the entire shoot had wrapped up well before the tragic events in Pahalgam, calling it “a coincidence wrongly portrayed as intentional.”
“When we made the movie, the situation was completely different. We never imagined it would later be caught in a storm like this,” he explained.
He emphasized that the team never intended to disrespect national sentiment, and that portraying the project as anti-national was both misleading and damaging.
“Why No Outrage Over the Cricket Match?”
In a pointed remark, Diljit also drew attention to the recently held cricket match between India and Pakistan, questioning the inconsistency in public reaction.
“If our countries can face off on the cricket field during this time, then why is a film — made long before any of this — being dragged into controversy?” he asked, suggesting a double standard in the way art and sport are perceived during political tensions.
Film Pulled from Indian Release Amid Protests
Following the uproar, the producers of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ announced that the film will not release in India, opting instead for overseas screenings only. The decision was made to avoid further escalation, though fans and film industry insiders have described it as a loss for Punjabi cinema.
“Sardars Have Always Fought for the Nation”
Rejecting allegations that he harbored any anti-national sentiments, Dosanjh underscored the role of the Sikh and Punjabi community in defending India throughout history.
About Punjabi Mania Author
Editorial team at Punjabi Mania. Passionate about bringing the latest updates from the Punjabi entertainment industry directly to you.
Sign in with Google
Discussion 0
Join the Conversation
Share your thoughts, reply to others, and become part of the community.