As the controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 intensifies, singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has found support from his former manager, Sonali Singh, who has spoken out against the backlash he is facing for appearing alongside Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in the upcoming film.
Taking to Instagram, Sonali shared a heartfelt statement titled “Always Choosing Love Over Hate”, in which she described the wave of criticism as “disheartening and unfair.” She emphasised that the film was shot well before current geopolitical tensions heightened.
“In a career spanning over two decades, Diljit Dosanjh has become a cultural icon not only for India but for the global stage. Yet, time and again, he has been placed under the scanner, especially as a proud Sikh, a Punjabi, and an artist who has chosen to represent India with quiet pride rather than loud declarations,” Sonali wrote. “Despite being repeatedly targeted, Diljit has never resorted to outrage. His consistent message in interviews, music, films, and public appearances has always been rooted in love, unity, and kindness.”
Sonali also explained that Sardaar Ji 3 will not be released in India – a decision made by Diljit out of respect for public sentiment amid the sensitive political environment. The film is scheduled to release internationally on June 27.
“Even while fighting other battles, including a film that has been delayed for over two years despite no controversial co-actors. And yet in the face of it all, Diljit has chosen to respect the sentiments of the Indian public and authorities. He is not releasing the film in India, standing in alignment with the nation’s current mood, showing once again that he honours the decisions of his own country even at a personal and professional cost,” she wrote.
Sonali highlighted the potential financial impact of this decision on the project, which does not have the backing of a major studio. “He’s trying to do is mitigate the losses as much as he can for the producers, for the crew, for the families whose livelihoods are tied to this film,” she added.
Sonali also touched on what she described as the contradictory nature of public perception in India. “On one hand, the global media celebrates him as the first Indian to perform at Coachella, to appear on Jimmy Fallon carrying his traditional identity, to walk the Met Gala carrying his culture & roots. And every single time, he proudly carries India with him,” she wrote.
“But on the other hand, in his own country how quickly we forget. How conveniently we celebrate him when he puts India on the map, and how easily we trash him when the narrative turns. Does anyone think this doesn’t break his heart?”
Calling the outrage a “manufactured storm,” Sonali said, “In every sense, Diljit Dosanjh has been an ambassador of India not through propaganda, but through spirit, his art, his love. And yet, each time, he’s asked to prove the love he’s already shown so consistently. This cycle must end. Let us stop punishing our artists for being human first. All he has ever spoken is love.”
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What is Sardaar Ji 3 embroiled in controversy?
The backlash began after it was revealed that Pakistani actor Hania Aamir features alongside Diljit in Sardaar Ji 3, which also stars Neeru Bajwa. The criticism escalated following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, where strikes targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Amid calls for a boycott, the film’s team has maintained silence, while Diljit has refrained from public comment. Sonali’s message marks the first public defense of the actor in what has become a politically charged conversation around art, nationalism, and cross-border collaborations.