Diljit Dosanjh has finally spoken up on the controversy that clouded his recent Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3. The film, which featured Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, drew heavy backlash after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) even demanded that Dosanjh be blacklisted and his citizenship revoked. Though the order was later withdrawn, the film was released overseas but not in India.
At his Kuala Lumpur concert during the ongoing AURA tour, Diljit broke his silence. Referring to the events, he clarified, “When we shot Sardaar Ji 3 in February, the matches were already going on. Later, the tragic Pahalgam attack happened, and after that, the India-Pakistan match was also played.
The difference is my film was shot before the attack, while the match happened afterwards.”
The singer-actor expressed sorrow over the Pahalgam attack, saying, “We all prayed for strict punishment for the terrorists.” Pointing at an Indian flag in the crowd, he saluted it and added, “That’s my country’s flag. Always respect.”
He also addressed the accusations of being labelled “anti-national.” Diljit said, “The national media tried to portray me that way, but Punjabis and the Sikh community could never go against the nation.” Explaining his silence, he continued, “I had many answers but chose not to speak. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t take poison inside from what others tell you. So I stayed quiet.”
The controversy first erupted because of the film’s casting choice. With Hania Aamir, critics accused the makers of ignoring national sentiments, especially in the situation of the terror attack. However, Dosanjh has maintained that the project was completed before the tragic incident and should not be linked to it.
The singer also took a subtle dig at the double standards, pointing out how sporting ties went on despite the tensions. “My film was shot before, yet it became an issue. The match was after, but no one questioned that,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Diljit has wrapped up shooting for Border 2, directed by Anurag Singh. The film, starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty, is slated for release on January 23, 2026.
