Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 1: Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has strongly criticized veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah for defending Diljit Dosanjh amid the heated controversy over Diljit’s collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3.
The uproar began after Diljit faced backlash from celebrities, social media users, and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) for working with a Pakistani artist. Naseeruddin Shah came to Diljit’s defense, arguing that the singer-actor wasn’t responsible for casting decisions and condemning restrictions on personal interactions between Indians and Pakistanis.
Ashoke Pandit took issue with Shah’s remarks, including his use of the term “jumla party” in a Facebook post addressing Diljit’s critics. “We are not surprised, not shocked by Naseeruddin Shah’s response. He calls us ‘goons,’ which shows his frustration and restlessness,” Pandit said.
He countered Shah’s argument by insisting that actors have the choice to refuse projects involving Pakistani artists: “He says Diljit was not responsible for casting, but he could have refused to work with Pakistani actors.”
Pandit further condemned Shah’s stance by labeling Pakistan a “terror nation” and citing attacks such as the recent Pahalgam incident, Pulwama, Uri, and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. “For us, our country comes first. Our response to Sardaar Ji 3 is right. We have issued a non-cooperation directive against Diljit Dosanjh,” Pandit asserted.
FWICE’s directive demands an unconditional apology from Diljit, accusing him of hurting national sentiments and disregarding the sacrifices of Indian soldiers. Their statement emphasized, “As an Indian, your first responsibility is towards your country. You have failed in that regard, and your professional choices have shown the nation’s interest is not your priority.”
The directive instructs all FWICE-affiliated members and associations to refrain from cooperating with Diljit on any current or future projects until he publicly disassociates from the collaboration and issues an apology.
Following intense backlash, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 announced they will not release the movie in India.