The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, has intensified, with singer Mika Singh calling for Dosanjh to apologize and remove Aamir's scenes from the movie. This demand comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack in April.
Mika Singh initially expressed his views through a strongly worded post on Instagram, though without directly naming Diljit Dosanjh. He emphasized the importance of putting the nation first ("Desh Pehle") and urged artists to consider the current strained relations between the two countries before involving artists from across the border in their projects. Mika Singh also referenced a past incident where a film featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan faced opposition and was not allowed to release in India. He criticized what he termed a "fake singer" for acting "irresponsibly" and betraying fans. The post included an image of both Mika and Diljit, making it clear who the criticism was aimed at.
However, Mika Singh later softened his stance, suggesting that everyone is willing to forgive Diljit Dosanjh if he apologizes and removes the "objectionable scenes" from Sardaar Ji 3. He posted another message on his Instagram Stories, stating, "Guys, I understand we all make mistakes in life. But when we do, there's one simple word that holds power: Sorry. If Diljit made a mistake, we are all willing to forgive. But he must apologise and remove all the objectionable scenes from the movie! That's it. No hate. Just respect. Desh pehle!"
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has also strongly condemned the inclusion of Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, especially in light of the Pahalgam attack, which they attribute to "Pakistani-sponsored terrorists." They released a statement expressing that Diljit Dosanjh and the film's makers featured Aamir despite the attack, at a time when the nation is united against Pakistan.
Amidst the backlash, Diljit Dosanjh has broken his silence, stating that the film was shot before the recent wave of heightened India-Pakistan tensions. He told BBC Asian Network that the producer's money is at stake and clarified that when he signed the film, the situation was fine. Now, he feels obligated to support the producers' decision to release it overseas. Dosanjh also spoke about his experience working with Hania Aamir, describing her as "very professional." He added that he respects her work and privacy, maintaining a professional distance on set.
The makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have also issued a statement, confirming that the film will not be released in India, and emphasizing that Hania Aamir was cast before the tensions escalated. They explained that the shooting was completed before the recent increase in hostilities and asked that the casting decision not be linked to current events.
Sardaar Ji 3, directed by Amar Hundal and produced by White Hill Studios and Story Time Productions, is the third installment in the Sardaar Ji franchise, known for its comedy and fantasy elements. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Hania Aamir, Neeru Bajwa, and others. It is scheduled to release overseas on June 27.
The controversy highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding collaborations between Indian and Pakistani artists, particularly in the wake of political tensions and terrorist attacks. While some are calling for a complete boycott of Diljit Dosanjh and his film, others are willing to forgive him if he acknowledges the concerns and takes corrective action by apologizing and removing the scenes featuring Hania Aamir.
