Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has once again found himself at the centre of public attention after posting a cryptic message on Facebook following the deletion of his earlier statement in support of singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh. The now-deleted post had defended Dosanjh for his collaboration with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in the film Sardaar Ji 3, which has stirred controversy amid strained India-Pakistan relations.
On Tuesday, Shah shared a quote attributed to German philosopher Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, writing: “It is almost impossible to carry the torch of truth through a crowd without singeing somebody's beard.”
The post, though not directly referencing the Diljit Dosanjh episode, has been widely interpreted as a response to the backlash he faced for his earlier remarks.
The Deleted Post
Shah had earlier written a strong message in support of Dosanjh, saying: “I STAND FIRMLY WITH DILJIT. The dirty tricks deptt of Jumla Party has been awaiting a chance to attack him. They think they’ve got it at last. He was not responsible for the casting of the film, the director was.”
The post was deleted soon after it sparked a wave of online criticism. However, Shah’s latest post appears to reaffirm his sentiments in a more nuanced manner.
Background: The Sardaar Ji 3 Controversy
The film Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa, and Hania Aamir, has been under fire for casting a Pakistani actor in a prominent role. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, resulting in heightened scrutiny of cross-border artistic collaborations.
Dosanjh has faced calls for a boycott from several quarters, including the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), which has urged a ban on his upcoming projects.
Divided Reactions
The comments on Shah’s latest post reflect a divided audience. While some praised the actor for standing by principles of artistic freedom and cross-cultural unity, others criticised him for appearing to overlook national sentiments.
Shah, known for his outspoken views on politics, society, and cinema, further clarified in comments that: “Diljit is known the world over, and he agreed to the cast because his mind is not poisoned. What these goons want is to put an end to personal interaction between the people of India and Pakistan.”
A Bigger Debate
The episode has reignited discussions on the role of art in diplomacy and the increasing politicisation of the film industry. With Shah’s reputation for fearless commentary and Dosanjh’s global popularity, the controversy has only added fuel to the ongoing debate over nationalism and artistic freedom.
As the Sardaar Ji 3 controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how Bollywood and audiences will navigate the increasingly blurred line between cinema and politics.
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