Latest news with #Diljit
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kabir Khan addresses controversy on 'Sardaar Ji 3'; says decision to cast Pakistani actress Hania Aamir was taken 'ages ago'
1 2 Filmmaker Kabir Khan has responded to the controversy on 'Sardaar Ji 3', starring Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The film came under heavy criticism from some sections of the public and political groups after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. Several questioned the decision to cast a Pakistani actor in an Indian film during such tense times. In an interview with NDTV, Kabir Khan defended the casting decision, explaining that it was made well before the tragic Pahalgam attack took place. Kabir stated, "It was a decision that was taken ages ago. By the time things changed, the film had already been shot. So it's probably unfair to target. My views on things like censorship and banning are very different. One should be a little more liberated." The filmmaker further added, "With anything to do with art. I don't think anybody is doing or making any film just to hurt people's sentiments or create hate and controversy. It's unfortunate." Kabir also expressed disappointment that 'Sardaar Ji 3' couldn't be released in India, calling it an 'unfortunate result' of political tensions. He said that sometimes the films get in the middle of such situations and miss the chance to reach their audience. Speaking about Diljit, the director praised him for his talent and success, especially in both music and cinema. He mentioned that the film is doing well in Pakistan and highlighted that, 'Diljit is one of the most respected actors and stars of this country and has always done very good work." Amidst the ongoing tensions, 'Sardaar Ji 3' has performed well in international markets, especially among Punjabi-speaking audiences overseas. The film was released on June 27 and went on to become the highest-grossing Punjabi movie of 2025 so far. A few days later, FWICE confirmed they had lifted the ban on Diljit, allowing him to resume work on 'Border 2'. According to reports, the film's producer, Bhushan Kumar, personally requested the federation to let Diljit continue with the patriotic project. Salman Khan, Kabir Khan not on talking terms
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Anupam Kher criticises Diljit Dosanjh over Sardaar Ji 3 controversy: ‘I can't watch my sister's sindoor get destroyed in the name of art'
Diljit Dosanjh continues to remain in the spotlight as controversy brews over the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in his upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3. Diljit, who also serves as a producer on the film, is under fire for featuring a Pakistani artist at a time when cross-border cultural exchanges remain a sensitive issue in India. Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently weighed in on the matter, telling NDTV that while Diljit has the right to express himself freely, he personally would not have made the same choice. 'It's his fundamental right. He has full freedom to exercise his right and he should be given freedom to exercise it. I can say from my point of view that maybe I wouldn't do what he did,' Anupam said. He went on to use an analogy to explain his stance: 'I'd say, 'You slapped my father but you sing very well, you play very good tabla, so you come and perform at my house.' But I wouldn't be able to do that. I am not that great. I won't hit him back, but I won't give him the right… The rule that I practice at my home, I practice in my country. I am not that great that I could see my family get hit or see my sister's sindoor get destroyed for art. Those who can do so, they have all the freedom.' Also Read | Diljit Dosanjh finds fans across parties in Punjab, even as 'barred' film climbs the charts Recently actor Kangana Ranaut also echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that artists like Diljit should align themselves with the idea of 'nation building.' Speaking to Times Now, she said: 'I have said enough about these people who are… We need to have a sentiment of nation building. Everybody is a stakeholder. Why don't we have that sentiment? Why is one Diljit having his own path? Why are our cricketers having their own friendships?' For those unfamiliar with the controversy, Sardaar Ji 3 features Hania Aamir in a prominent role. Her inclusion has sparked outrage as it comes in the wake of the 2024 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Since the 2016 Uri attack, Indian film bodies have enforced an unofficial ban on Pakistani artists working in Indian productions. As a result of the casting, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has reportedly imposed a ban on Diljit Dosanjh, barring him from participating in Indian film projects. Despite this, the actor is currently shooting for his next film Border 2 and is reportedly in discussions for future projects. In response to the backlash, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have stated that the film was shot before the Pahalgam attack and assured that they will refrain from working with Pakistani actors in the future.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Anupam Kher on Diljit Dosanjh working with Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3: 'I can't see my sister's sindoor get destroyed'
Actor Anupam Kher has reacted to the ongoing controversy over Diljit Dosanjh starring in Sardaar Ji 3 with Pakistani artist Hania Aamir. Speaking with NDTV, Anupam said that Diljit has the "freedom to exercise his right", adding that he "wouldn't do what he did". He added that he isn't "that great that I could see my sister's sindoor (vermillion) get destroyed for art". Anupam Kher opened up about the Diljit Dosanjh, Hania Aamir and Sardaar Ji 3 row. Anupam Kher reacts to Diljit Dosanjh, Sardaar Ji 3 row Talking about Diljit Dosanjh being a part of a film with Hania, Anupam said that he has a fundamental right and should be allowed to exercise it. "It's his fundamental right. He has full freedom to exercise his right, and he should be given the freedom to exercise it. I can say from my point of view that maybe I wouldn't do what he did," Anupam said. Anupam said he isn't 'that great' to do what Diljit did Anupam compared India to his family and Pakistan to his neighbour. He then said, "I'd say, 'You slapped my father, but you sing very well, you play very good tabla, so you come and perform at my house'. But I wouldn't be able to do that. I am not that great. I won't hit him back, but I won't give him the right... The rule that I practice at my home, I practice in my country. I am not that great that I could see my family get hit or see my sister's sindoor (vermilion) get destroyed for art. Those who can do so, they have all the freedom." Recently, Ajay Devgn was asked about his views on the Diljit row. Ajay emphasised the need to have a dialogue to manage differing opinions. "Dekhiye, I don't know where the trolling comes from, kya sahi hai, kya galat hai (what's wrong, what's right). I'm not in his shoes to comment on that. Uski apni problem hogi, aur baaki jo log keh rahe hain woh apne point of view se soch rahe hain (He must have his own problems and people who are saying certain things are thinking from their point of view)." "I will not blame anybody, and I will not say ki isme se koi galat hai ya koi sahi hai. I think, they need a conversation (will not say who is right or who is wrong)," Ajay added. About Diljit row Diljit has been facing a massive backlash for collaborating with Hania in Sardaar Ji 3. The timing of the release has added fuel to the ongoing controversy, as tensions between India and Pakistan remain high following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Sardaar Ji 3 hit the theatres overseas on June 27 but was not released in India.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Amid Sardaar Ji 3 -Hania Aamir Row, Diljit Dosanjh Makes His First Public Appearance In Mumbai
Mumbai: Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh made his first public appearance on Monday, following the controversy surrounding his film Sardaar Ji 3. The Udta Punjab actor was spotted flashing a smile and waving at paparazzi while exiting the airport. As soon as Diljit stepped out of the airport, the paparazzi began calling out, "Paaji!" Though he didn't stop to pose, he acknowledged them with a warm smile, folded hands, and a friendly wave before getting into his car. For the airport outing, Diljit Dosanjh kept it casual in a white t-shirt with blue denims. He is also seen wearing a red turban. Notably, this marked his first public appearance since the controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3. The controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 began after the film's team faced backlash for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir as the female lead. This decision sparked criticism and led the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to issue a non-cooperation order against lead actor Diljit Dosanjh. Initially, FWICE imposed a ban preventing him from working on any film projects. However, following an appeal from producer Bhushan Kumar, an exception was made for Border 2, allowing Diljit to continue shooting the film, though with certain restrictions. While he has been permitted to finish work on the war drama, the non-cooperation directive still applies to any new projects, potentially posing challenges for his future film commitments. Meanwhile, the Amar Singh Chamkila actor has been busy shooting for Border 2 and has also been sharing glimpses from the sets on social media. The upcoming war drama, directed by Anurag Singh, also stars Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta and is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series in association with J.P. Dutta's banner, J.P. Films. Border 2 is scheduled to release on January 23, 2026.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Diljit Dosanjh makes his first public appearance amid Sardaar Ji 3 row, greets paps at Mumbai airport in style
Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh made his first public appearance on Monday, days after finding himself at the centre of a heated controversy involving his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3. The Udta Punjab star was seen at the airport, flashing his signature smile and waving at paparazzi who greeted him enthusiastically with shouts of 'Paaji!' Dressed in a crisp white tee, blue denims, and a striking red turban, Diljit kept his airport look effortless. Though he didn't pause for pictures, he folded his hands and acknowledged the paps warmly before driving off. This was Diljit's first outing since Sardaar Ji 3 drew flak for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir as the female lead, a decision that triggered a backlash and led the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to issue a non-cooperation order against him. Bhushan Kumar intervenes, Diljit allowed to finish 'Border 2' Following the controversy, FWICE initially barred Diljit from participating in any new film projects. However, after producer Bhushan Kumar stepped in and made an official appeal, the industry body granted an exception for Diljit to continue shooting for Border 2. The approval comes with certain restrictions and does not extend to any future films, leaving Diljit's next career moves hanging in the balance. Despite the storm, the Amar Singh Chamkila actor has kept his focus on work. He's been actively filming Border 2 and even shared glimpses from the set on his social media, subtly letting fans know he's still very much in action. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Star-studded war drama gets 2026 release date Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 is a high-profile war drama starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty alongside Diljit. It is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, and presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series in collaboration with J.P. Films. The film is slated for a Republic Day weekend release on January 23, 2026, and marks a sequel to the 1997 classic Border.
