Veteran Actor Naseeruddin Shah Deletes Post Defending Diljit Dosanjh Amid Sardaar Ji 3 Controversy
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has deleted a Facebook post in which he came out in support of Diljit Dosanjh for starring alongside Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3. Shah’s statement, though now removed, stirred fresh controversy in the film industry and led to strong criticism from filmmakers and industry bodies.
In his now-deleted post, Naseeruddin Shah had written:
“I STAND FIRMLY WITH DILJIT. The dirty tricks deptt of 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.”
🎬 Ashoke Pandit Slams Shah
Responding to Shah’s remarks, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, who is also the president of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association, said:
“We are not surprised, not shocked, by Naseeruddin Shah’s response. He calls us the Jumla party, he calls us goons. This proves the frustration and restlessness of Naseeruddin Shah.”
Pandit added that the industry’s stance was patriotic, especially in light of recent events including the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor.
“Let me tell you Naseer sahab, we have taken a call of issuing a non-cooperation directive against Diljit, and we have already issued it,” Pandit told ANI.
📢 Industry Calls for Ban
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) have called for a ban on Diljit Dosanjh and all his future projects, citing national sentiment and backlash over working with a Pakistani artist amid strained India-Pakistan relations.
The controversy intensified following:
- The April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed multiple civilian lives.
- India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, involving airstrikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and PoK.
🧾 Background
Saradar Ji 3, the third installment in the popular Punjabi franchise, features Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The casting has come under scrutiny amidst heightened nationalist sentiment, with critics arguing it is insensitive to collaborate with Pakistani artists following recent terror attacks and cross-border tensions.