6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
‘GO TO KAILASA': Naseeruddin Shah supports Diljit Dosanjh, blames ‘dirty tricks of Jumla Party' for Sardaar Ji 3 controversy
Agencies Naseeruddin Shah and Diljit Dosanjh
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has publicly supported singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh amid growing criticism around the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his new film Sardaar Ji 3. While the film has been released in Pakistan and other countries, it is yet to release in India due to strained ties between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Ji 3 is currently not available in Indian theatres. The delay is seen in the context of the rising tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. The choice to cast Hania Aamir has sparked strong reactions online, with some critics questioning the inclusion of a Pakistani actress in an Indian production during a sensitive time.
Naseeruddin Shah took to Facebook to express support for Diljit. In his post, he wrote:
'I STAND FIRMLY WITH DILJIT. The dirty tricks department of the Jumla Party has been awaiting a chance to attack him. They think they've got it at last. He was not responsible for the casting of the film; the director was. But no one knows who he is, whereas Diljit is known the world over, and he agreed to the cast because his mind is not poisoned. What these goons want is to put an end to personal interaction between the people of India and Pakistan. I have close relatives and some dear friends there, and no one can stop me from meeting them or sending them love whenever I feel like it. And my response to those who will say, 'Go to Pakistan,' is 'GO TO KAILASA.'' 'Go to Kailasa': Naseeruddin Shah supports Diljit Dosanjh, blames 'dirty tricks of Jumla Party' for Sardaar Ji 3 controversyhttps:// the backlash, Diljit has not changed his stand on the film's international release. He recently posted a video on Instagram showing Pakistani audiences cheering for a scene featuring Hania Aamir. The video highlighted the positive response the film is receiving overseas.
In an earlier interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit clarified that the casting had no link to recent events. He said the film was shot and completed several months before the Pahalgam the backlash in India, Sardaar Ji 3 has seen positive reception abroad. Diljit shared social media updates showing packed theatres and cheering crowds during screenings in Pakistan and other countries. A video from Universal Cinemas highlighted that the film had 12 screenings on ultra screens in Pakistan, calling the public response 'overwhelming.'According to Box Office India, the film earned ₹11.03 crore worldwide in just two days. The first day brought in ₹4.32 crore, followed by ₹6.71 crore on the second day. All the earnings so far have come from international markets, as the film is not available in Indian an interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit said the film was shot in February 2025, before relations between India and Pakistan deteriorated. 'Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation sab theek tha. We shot this in Feb and then everything was fine,' he said. He added that the team decided to avoid an Indian release to respect public sentiment and protect the film's investment. 'Now, the situation is not in our hands,' he said.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has demanded Diljit Dosanjh be removed from the cast of the upcoming film Border 2. They said his appearance in a patriotic film is inappropriate after acting in a film with a Pakistani actress. The group has also appealed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, asking the government to cancel permission for the film's shoot at the National Defence Academy. The producers of Border 2 have not issued a public the ongoing controversy, a Canadian university has introduced a new course that features Diljit Dosanjh as part of its curriculum. The course explores his influence in global music and cinema, underlining his growing presence beyond reactions continue to emerge from different quarters, Diljit remains focused on promoting Sardaar Ji 3 internationally. It is still unclear how the current developments will affect his future projects.
