Naseeruddin Shah says his father ‘refused to go to Pakistan when his brothers left': ‘He was certain India had a future for us just as I feel it does for my offspring'

Indian Express

6 hours ago

As controversy continues to surround Diljit Dosanjh and the global release of his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has stepped forward in his support. Earlier, Naseeruddin had posted a message on Facebook backing Diljit, a post that he claims was taken down by the social media platform. Now, in a heartfelt opinion piece for The Indian Express, he has elaborated on his position, offering personal context and addressing the backlash. 'I feel no need to wear my love for anything, including the country, on my sleeve,' Naseeruddin wrote, asserting his right to speak his truth without performative patriotism. He went on to share details about his family's legacy and their enduring faith in India's future.
'I was born in India into the fifth generation of a Muslim family, my wife into an even older Hindu one and we hope our children can be a combination of the best of both. My father refused to go to Pakistan when his brothers left, he was certain India had a future for us just as I feel it does for my offspring. This is a dream that cannot be abandoned.' He also addressed the criticism he faced for supporting Diljit and the lack of solidarity from within the film industry. 'I wasn't expecting any — they all either have too much to lose or they disagree,' he wrote candidly. Despite the social media backlash, he remains firm in his stance.
In the Facebook post, Naseeruddin had written: 'What these goons want is to put an end to personal interaction between the people of India and Pakistan. 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 will say 'Go to Pakistan' is 'GO TO KAILASA'.'
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His comments come amidst growing tension in the Indian film industry regarding the participation of Pakistani artists. Sardaar Ji 3, starring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir alongside Diljit, is being released globally, except in India. The decision, made by the film's producers (Diljit being one of them), reignited debate over the informal ban on Pakistani talent following the Pahalgam attack.
Meanwhile, speculation had mounted that Diljit might be removed from upcoming projects, including Border 2. However, after deliberation, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has allowed producer Bhushan Kumar (T-Series) to complete the remaining shoot with the actor, though Bhushan has publicly stated he will not work with Dosanjh in future productions.