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Javed Akhtar Reacts To Diljit Amid Sardaar Ji 3 Row: ‘Iss Mein Pakistan Ka Paisa Toh Nahi Doobega'
Javed Akhtar reacts to the backlash over Diljit Dosanjh's Sardaar Ji 3, says banning the film hurts Indian money, not Pakistani.
Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3, Diljit Dosanjh's latest Punjabi film, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. In a recent interview at NDTV's Creators Manch, Akhtar addressed the backlash against the film and questioned the logic behind boycotting its release in India.
Responding to the outrage over Diljit collaborating with a Pakistani actor, Akhtar said that the movie was completed well before the Pahalgam terror attack, which triggered the outrage. 'Ab kya karein bechara. The movie was shot earlier. Usko pata toh nahi tha ki aisa hoga. Iss mein Pakistani aadmi ka paisa toh nahi doobega, Hindustani ka paisa doobega. Toh phir kya faayda?" he remarked.
Backing Diljit, Akhtar added, 'Usko pehle pata hota yeh hone wala hain, toh woh thodi na leta Pakistani actress. I think the government and the censor board should look at the situation with a little sympathy. And say that don't do this again, but since you made this film before, then release it. But it should not happen again."
Sardaar Ji 3 has released worldwide today, June 23, but is yet to see the light of day in Indian cinemas due to the ongoing uproar. The controversy erupted after the trailer dropped, with fans and industry voices criticising the inclusion of Hania Aamir in the cast.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a strongly worded letter urging filmmaker Imtiaz Ali to cut ties with Diljit Dosanjh. Imtiaz is reportedly working on a Baisakhi 2026 release with the actor, also starring Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari, and Vedang Raina.
Their letter stated: 'Your involvement risks sending a deeply conflicting message, especially given your influence as a director known for socially resonant themes." FWICE further appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revoke the passports and citizenship of the makers involved with Sardaar Ji 3, seeking a complete industry ban.
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