Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh is drawing heat for his upcoming international film Sardaar Ji 3, which features popular Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The film is scheduled for release on June 27, but will not hit Indian screens due to ongoing restrictions on Pakistani artists.
Criticism erupted online following the announcement, especially after recent national security concerns during Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack.
FWICE Calls for Ban on Actor Amid Indo-Pak Tensions
Adding fuel to the fire, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called for a ban on both the film and Diljit Dosanjh in India.
FWICE president BN Tiwari said, “None of their films and projects would be allowed to be released in India. There would be complete cooperation from the Indian film industry.”
Diljit Amid The Controversy
Diljit has remained quiet on the controversy. However, he recently shared an interview with Grammy and Recording Academy President Panos A. Panay. Speaking about the role of art and music, Diljit said, “Countries are at war, and we don’t have control over these things. But I believe music is something that unites nations. I feel blessed to be part of something that spreads love across nations.”
He added, “I think we need to look beyond nations and focus on Mother Earth. All these borders are part of the same Mother Earth, and I belong to her.”
Quoting a lesson, he said, “‘Hum aadmi hain ek daami’, meaning ‘We humans are here only for a brief moment.’ We are here for very limited time, we should not waste our time fighting with each other.”
He clarified he does not want to speak about politics, saying, “Politics is a different space, I don’t want to make blunders by speaking out of turn. But for me, every second is precious, and I want to live it to the fullest.”
Amid growing backlash, Diljit reportedly removed a teaser for a Sardaar Ji 3 song featuring Hania Aamir from his Instagram. However, the film’s trailer remains with the caption: “Sardaar ji 3 releasing 27th June OVERSEAS ONLY/Fadh Lao Bhoond Dian Lattan.”
Meanwhile, social media users noted that several Pakistani actors’ Instagram accounts were blocked in India. This, following a legal request after April’s terror attack.
