The Bharatiya Janata Party has publicly extended its support to singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh amid the controversy surrounding his film Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The party called for an end to the “politics of targeting” Dosanjh, describing him as a “national asset and a global ambassador of Indian culture”.
The controversy erupted after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding strict action against Dosanjh, including the cancellation of his Indian citizenship. They objected to the casting of the Pakistani actor.
In a series of posts on X, BJP national spokesperson RP Singh defended Dosanjh and called FWICE’s demands “shockingly disproportionate”. “Diljit is not just a celebrated artist, he’s a national asset,” Singh wrote. “The film was shot before the Pahalgam attack. If people are upset, they can choose to boycott it, but demanding the cancellation of his citizenship is irrational,” he stated.
Singh further wrote, “Just days before the Pahalgam incident, the Indian cricket team played a match against Pakistan. Did FWICE or others object then? TV news channels routinely invite Pakistani guests to boost TRPs. Should those anchors now relinquish their citizenship too? Let’s not cheapen nationalism or weaponise patriotism. FWICE should reconsider its stance — such targeting of our own talent only weakens our moral standing.”
What did Diljit Dosanjh say on the controversy?
Sardaar Ji 3 released internationally on June 27 but not in India. The film’s producer, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, explained that the decision not to release it domestically followed the Pahalgam terror attack. “We didn’t want to hurt anyone’s sentiments,” Sidhu said, acknowledging the financial setback, with an estimated 40% of revenue lost.
In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Dosanjh clarified that Sardaar Ji 3 was shot in February when Indo-Pak relations were stable. “We didn’t expect this situation. The producers will suffer huge losses. But they had to make this decision,” he said.
The singer-actor further explained, “When I signed the film, everything was normal. Now that the producers have chosen to release it overseas, I feel it’s important to stand by them and support their decision.” Speaking about his co-star Hania Aamir in the same interview, he added, “Hania is a good actress and very professional. I generally keep to myself. I’m quite a private person, so I don’t get too involved with anyone.”