The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming film "Sardaar Ji 3," featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, has escalated, with singer Mika Singh publicly criticizing Dosanjh and labeling him a "fake singer." This dispute arises from the film's international release amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to calls for boycotts and bans.
Mika Singh took to social media to express his disapproval of Dosanjh's decision to work with a Pakistani artist given the current state of relations between the two nations. While not explicitly naming Dosanjh, his post implied that some people continue to act irresponsibly, further stating that artists should prioritize the dignity of their motherland before collaborating on projects involving Indian and Pakistani talents. He also referenced the opposition faced by the film "Abir Gulaal," which starred Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, suggesting that lessons should have been learned from that experience.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has also condemned Diljit Dosanjh and the producers of "Sardaar Ji 3" for including Hania Aamir in the film. FWICE has urged the film industry to sever all ties with Dosanjh and his team, calling their actions "anti-national." They have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revoke their passports and permanently bar them from enjoying the rights and privileges associated with Indian citizenship. The film body views the collaboration as a direct defiance of the ban on Pakistani artists and a "shameful betrayal" of the country, especially when India is mourning the loss of lives in the recent Pahalgam attack, allegedly backed by Pakistani terrorists. FWICE has issued a stern warning that any Indian filmmaker or artist working with Pakistani nationals will be considered promoters of anti-India narratives.
Adding to the controversy, Diljit Dosanjh has faced criticism for his silence on the matter. He recently broke his silence in an interview, stating that "bhut saari cheezen humare haath mein nahi hai" (many things are not in our hands). This statement has been interpreted as an acknowledgement of the challenges and limitations he faces amidst the controversy. Dosanjh is facing boycott calls and severe backlash for working with Hania Aamir, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, which heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Amidst the controversy, Diljit Dosanjh reshared a cryptic post referring to his previous film, "Panjab 95," highlighting that it was "censored before release". "Panjab 95," based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, faced issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and has not been released in India.
The film "Sardaar Ji 3" will not be released in India. Despite the controversy, Diljit Dosanjh is proceeding with the film's overseas release.
