Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh recently addressed the controversy surrounding his upcoming film, Sardaar Ji 3, which has sparked debates due to the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit clarified that the film was shot in February, well before the tragic Pahalgam attack and the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan.
He explained that many developments occurred after the filming was completed, which were beyond the control of the cast and crew. “After that, a lot of things happened which are beyond our control,” he said. “The producers decided that since the film would likely not release in India, they would focus on an overseas release instead. A lot of money has been invested, and at the time of shooting, none of these issues existed.”
Diljit expressed strong support for the producers’ decision to release the film overseas despite the expected losses from not releasing it in India. “They know that there will be a loss because an entire territory is being removed. When I signed the film, everything was fine, but now the situation is not in our hands. So if the producers want to release it abroad, I support them,” he added.
The controversy erupted after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which tragically killed 26 people and led to film associations banning collaborations with Pakistani artists. On June 23, Diljit released the official trailer of Sardaar Ji 3, which features Hania Aamir and other Pakistani actors, triggering backlash from sections of the public and media.
Despite the criticism, Diljit has remained firm in his stance, emphasizing that the film’s creation predated the conflict and that many decisions were forced by circumstances outside their control. The controversy highlights the complex challenges artists face amid geopolitical tensions and their impact on the entertainment industry.
