New Delhi [India], June 30: Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has come out in strong support of singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, who is facing backlash for working with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in the upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3.
Amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, Diljit’s collaboration with Aamir has triggered criticism from social media users, members of the film fraternity, and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). The film body has even issued a non-cooperation directive and called for an unconditional apology from the actor, alleging that his actions “disrespected Indian sentiments,” especially after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
However, Shah strongly defended Diljit, stating the singer had no role in casting and condemned efforts to restrict personal connections between citizens of India and Pakistan.
“I STAND FIRMLY WITH DILJIT. The dirty tricks deptt of Jumla Party has been awaiting a chance to attack him… He was not responsible for the casting of the film, the director was,” Shah wrote in a social media post.
“What these goons want is to put an end to personal interaction between the people of India and Pakistan.”
Shah also affirmed his personal ties across the border, stating:
“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 say ‘Go to Pakistan’ is — ‘GO TO KAILASA’.”
In light of the controversy, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have announced the film will not release in India.
Meanwhile, FWICE has also raised objections over Diljit’s involvement in the highly anticipated war film Border 2, citing his recent collaboration with Pakistani talent and its perceived impact on national sentiment. The body has formally urged Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh to revoke any permissions granted for filming Border 2 at sensitive defence locations like the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune.
FWICE’s statement reads:
“The NDA, being a national symbol of military training and sacrifice, must not be used as a backdrop for a film involving an actor who is currently under public and professional boycott due to acts that undermine national unity.”
Border 2, a sequel to the 1997 blockbuster, is currently in its third schedule and is being directed by Anurag Singh, with producers Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta.
As the debate intensifies, the film industry and public figures continue to weigh in on the broader issue of artistic freedom, nationalism, and cross-border collaboration.