New Delhi: Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh, under fire for working with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, has clarified that the film was shot before the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and reminded critics that India and Pakistan continue to play cricket against each other.
The film, which released only overseas, triggered social media outrage with calls to ban Dosanjh. Film unions also criticised the collaboration following the attack that killed 26 people.
Speaking at a concert in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, Dosanjh, visibly emotional, said, “The media tried to portray me as anti-national, but Punjabis and Sikhs can never go against the nation. When we shot the film in February, matches were being played. The Pahalgam attack happened later. Even now, matches are on. We have always prayed for the strictest punishment for terrorists.”
A video circulating online shows Dosanjh saluting the Indian tricolour held by a fan in the audience. “Woh mere desh da jhanda hai (That’s my country’s flag). Always respect,” he said in Punjabi before addressing the crowd.
Following the Pahalgam attack, India retaliated with strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor on May 7.
In a June interview with BBC Asian Network, Dosanjh said the film’s overseas release was a producer’s decision. “When we shot in February, everything was fine. Later, the situation changed. It’s not in our hands. If the producers wanted to release it abroad, I supported them.”
“Sardaar Ji 3”, a horror comedy featuring Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, is directed by Amar Hundal and produced by Gunbir Singh Sidhu and Manmord Sidhu under White Hill Studios and Storytime Productions.
