Jasbir Jassi supports Diljit Dosanjh amid 'Sardaar Ji 3' amid controversy, calls it 'double standards'
Pakistani actress Hania Aamir appearance in the trailer of
Diljit Dosanjh
's 'Sardaar Ji 3' sparked quite the controversy. Due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and Operation Sindoor on May 7, the makers decided not to release the film in India.
After Diljit announced the film's release date as June 27, major film bodies like the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) responded by announcing a ban on Diljit Dosanjh in India.
Jasbir Jassi
Supports Diljit Dosanjh
Now, Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi has lent his support to Diljit Dosanjh during the current controversy. Speaking to NDTV, he said he respects people's feelings about standing by the country.
However, he also pointed out the double standards, saying that Indian films often feature songs by foreign singers, but no one seems to have a problem with that.
Jasbir Jassi Calls Out 'Double Standards'
Amid the ongoing 'Sardaar Ji 3' and Hania Aamir controversy, Punjabi singer Jassi said that the harsh criticism against Diljit Dosanjh reflects 'double standards' in the industry.
He said to NDTV, "I'm seeing how Diljit Dosanjh and his film are facing protests on social media because that film also stars a Pakistani artiste.
I respect people's sentiments that we should love our country and that we should stand by our country. But, why these double standards? If you don't want any Pakistani artists singing, acting or working in any Indian film, you want to ban them. But 80% of the songs of our industry have been stolen, be it their tunes or words or the entire songs.
There are so many songs in our films that have been sung by the artists of that country. I don't want to take names because the list is too long. So, why these double standards?"
"Either get rid of all those songs from YouTube, Spotify and other digital platforms.
But not like this, you take just one artist and start protesting against them. It's like someone came to your house with something to eat and then you start calling them the enemy but you keep eating the things or sweets they brought along with them. If you want to ban (Pakistani artists), ban them completely. Get all that content available in the world lifted.
.. why are you banning films of one artist at a time?, he further stated.
FWICE to Ban Diljit Dosanjh
After a strong online backlash over a Pakistani actress featuring in the upcoming regional film, Diljit Dosanjh has faced severe criticism. FWICE President BN Tiwari told NDTV that the federation has decided to issue a directive banning Diljit and the film's producers in India.
BN Tiwari revealed to NDTV, "There will be complete non co-operation. If the film is released anywhere, we will issue a directive of non co-operation.
We will ensure that Diljit Dosanjh won't get work (films or concerts) in any part of India."
"If he doesn't withdraw the release of the film, he won't get work in India."
FWICE and AICWA Ban Diljit Dosanjh from Working in India
Along with FWICE, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has also decided to ban Diljit from working in the Indian film industry.
Ashok Pandit reacted to the news and opened up in an exclusive interview in NDTV, "This is sheer arrogance.
You think it doesn't matter to you (Diljit Dosanjh). This is arrogance. And it's important to break this arrogance. It's important to break this arrogance. By living in this country, by earning in this country, by using this country, the emotions of the people here... Look, you have a huge responsibility. Because you have lakhs of followers.
You have so many followers that your responsibility increases."
Jasbir Jassi Says Targeting One Pakistani Artist Is Unfair
As the backlash over Hania Aamir acting with Diljit in 'Sardaar Ji 3' continues, singer and actor Jasbir Jassi shared his view. He said it's unfair to blame just one Pakistani artist when '80% of the songs in Indian films' are copied, and no one talks about that.
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