Diljit Dosanjh is now part of student syllabus amid 'Sardaar Ji 3' controversy: Canadian university launches new course

Economic Times

6 hours ago

As Diljit Dosanjh faces criticism in India for casting Pakistani actors in Sardaar Ji 3, a Canadian university is celebrating his legacy with an upcoming academic course. While fans decry the film's geo-blocked trailer, Toronto Metropolitan University sees Dosanjh's global impact as worthy of study—highlighting his role in bridging cultures, music industries, and diasporic identity.
Diljit Dosanjh is finding himself at a cultural crossroads: as Sardaar Ji 3 is facing criticism and restrictions in India due to casting of Pakistani actors, a Canadian university is set to study his global influence through a new academic course.
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
From Cinema Bans to Classrooms
Diljit Dosanjh's Instagram story.
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
A Global Star at the Crossroads
While Sardaar Ji 3 finds itself embroiled in controversy over its India blackout and inclusion of Pakistani actors, Diljit Dosanjh is being honoured far from the noise—in the corridors of higher education. In a landmark move, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has announced that it will introduce a full-fledged course on the superstar's cultural and musical impact. The course, scheduled to launch in late 2026, will mark the first academic programme in Canada centred around a Punjabi artist.The announcement came just hours before Dosanjh's new film Sardaar Ji 3 was confirmed for an overseas-only release on June 27, with the trailer geo-blocked in India. The move has stirred massive outrage online, with netizens accusing the actor-producer of betraying national sentiment due to the film's casting of Pakistani actors like Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti, and Daniel Khawar—especially in the wake of heightened India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack in April.While Diljit fans in India expressed heartbreak and disappointment, Toronto was rolling out academic red carpets. The new course, to be hosted by TMU's The Creative School, aims to explore the 'intersection of culture, identity, and global music entrepreneurship,' according to Dr Charlie Wall-Andrews, assistant professor at the university.In a statement to Billboard Canada, Dr Wall-Andrews said, 'His rise illustrates the cultural influence and economic potential of Punjabi music on the world stage. Students will explore how regional sounds shape global pop culture, mobilise diasporic communities, and contribute to sustainable creative economies rooted in authenticity.'For Dosanjh's manager Sonali Singh, who serves as CEO of Ripple Effects, the announcement represents more than just academic recognition. 'His journey stands for cultural pride, creative freedom, and global representation for Punjabi and South Asian communities,' she told Billboard Canada. 'Seeing his impact formally recognised in an academic space is not only powerful; it's long overdue.'Mo Ghoneim, President of Billboard UK and Canada, also praised the move. 'He represents the very heart of this global movement, and we're excited to see his story enter the classroom,' he added.In the past year alone, Dosanjh has broken records and barriers. From his critically acclaimed performance in Amar Singh Chamkila to his show-stopping appearance at Coachella and his debut at the Met Gala 2025, the star has carved out a unique global identity. His recent Dil-Luminati tour sold out the largest Punjabi concert ever held outside India, cementing his status as an international cultural ambassador.Yet back home, the star is facing growing scepticism. Netizens took to social media to accuse him of neglecting Indian audiences after achieving global fame. Many also criticised the decision to geo-block the Sardaar Ji 3 trailer and questioned the inclusion of Pakistani actors during a period of heightened national sensitivity.The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had earlier urged the CBFC to deny the film clearance, citing the participation of Pakistani actors as the reason.As fans and critics argue whether Sardaar Ji 3 is a betrayal or bold move, a Canadian classroom prepares to study Dosanjh's impact for generations to come—proof, perhaps, that while screens may flicker and trailers disappear, influence has a way of leaving a more lasting imprint.