Latest news with #SardaarJi3
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Neeru Bajwa unfollows 'Sardaar Ji' co-star Hania
As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, the cultural fallout has reached the film industry once again - this time with Canadian-Indian actor Neeru Bajwa reportedly unfollowing Pakistani co-star Hania Aamir on Instagram. Reddit and Instagram accounts first observed Hania missing from Neeru's following list. Neeru further appears to have removed all promotional content related to their film Sardaar Ji 3, just hours ahead of its international release on Friday. The Punjabi-language horror-comedy, also starring Diljit Dosanjh, has found itself at the centre of a political and cultural storm. While no official comment has been made by either Neeru or Hania, the move is being widely interpreted as a response to growing criticism in India over the Pakistani actor's inclusion in the film. Industry insiders say the backlash stems from the participation of a Pakistani actress in an Indian production, amid renewed nationalist fervour and diplomatic hostilities following a deadly attack in Pahalgam earlier this year. The criticism, largely driven by right-wing online voices, accused Neeru of "undermining national sentiment" for collaborating with Hania. Gunbir Singh Sidhu, the film's producer, confirmed the decision not to release the film in India was made out of caution rather than compulsion. "There was no restriction from the Government of India or any other institution," Sidhu told reporters. "But given the sensitivity of the situation, we refrained from releasing the trailer in India or organising any promotions." The Film Federation of Western Indian Cinema (FWIC) has gone a step further, calling on the government to revoke Diljit's passport due to his continued association with the project. The statement has sparked criticism from several artists and civil society organisations, who argue the move infringes upon artistic expression and freedom of work. Despite the mounting controversy, Sardaar Ji 3, directed by Amar Hundal, remains set for an extensive international rollout, including screenings in Pakistan, the UK, and Canada - regions with large Punjabi-speaking diaspora populations. The film also marks Hania's debut in Indian Punjabi cinema. In a recent interview with Haroon Rashid on the BBC Asian Network, Diljit had nothing but warm words for the professionalism displayed by Hania on set as the pair worked together in the film. "My experience with Hania was very good," stated Diljit in a short but sweet commendation. "She was professional when we were working. We didn't have that much time together, though." "When this film was being made, the [political] situation was fine," mused the actor-singer, adopting the sanguine, accepting tone of one picking their battles. "When we shot this film in February, everything was fine. But a lot of big things are not in our hands."
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Israel ASSASSINATES Key Hamas Commander In Deadly Op, Claims Al-Issa's Big Role In October 7 Attacks
Diljit Dosanjh Reacts to Sardaar Ji 3 Boycott | Breaks Silence on Hania Aamir Diljit Dosanjh finally opens up about the Sardaar Ji 3 controversy. With growing backlash over the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, the actor-singer clarifies that the film was shot before the Pahalgam terror attack and underlines that major decisions like release platforms are beyond his control. Diljit stands by the producers, calls the financial stakes 'huge,' and says he respects Hania's professionalism and privacy. Meanwhile, FWICE demands a ban and blacklisting. Here's Diljit's full response and what it means for the film's future. 11.0K views | 3 days ago
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Sardaar Ji 3': After demands for revoking citizenship, Diljit Dosanjh gets support from BJP, DSGMC
Jalandhar: Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh , who has been under fire for his film 'Sardaar Ji 3' starring Pakistan actor Hania Aamir, has gotten support from BJP national spokesperson R P Singh and former DSGMC chief Manjit Singh G K. In a post on his X account on Friday R P Singh described Dosanjh as "a national asset and a global ambassador of Indian culture" as he slammed the Federation of Western India Cine Employees for demanding action against the celebrity. "FWICE's call to revoke his Indian citizenship over an inadvertent and pre-incident film shoot is not only unfair but shockingly disproportionate. The film featuring a Pakistani actress was shot before the Pahalgam attack. If there is anguish, it can be expressed through a boycott or by urging that the film not be screened in India. But attacking Diljit's patriotism and demanding such an extreme step is simply irrational," he wrote. R P Singh pointed out that the Indian cricket team played a match against Pakistan just days before the Pahalgam massacre. "Did FWICE or others object then? TV news channels routinely invite Pakistani guests to boost TRPs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 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," he added. Punjabi actor and BJP culture cell convener Hobby Dhaliwal, too, extended support to Diljit at a press conference at the party's Chandigarh office. Dhaliwal said that Diljit was not just an artist but a globally respected face of Punjabi culture. "At a time of national tension, attempts are being made to defame him with baseless allegations. This is unfortunate and condemnable," he said. "Diljit is the son of this soil. Punjab stands with him—and India too," Dhaliwal said, while being flanked by Punjab BJP media cell in-charge Vineet Joshi. He expressed regret that certain elements were now demanding the cancellation of his citizenship and a ban on his films. He felt the demand was not only unjustified, but politically motivated and entirely baseless. "Every citizen is patriotic, but using this as a pretext to target a single artist is wrong. BJP stands firmly with Diljit Dosanjh," he added. Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee chief Manjit Singh GK too issued a statement in his support and questioned what he called the "selective targeting" of Diljit. He said the way Diljit was being targeted appeared like an "undeclared emergency". "He represented the country and Punjab, and has become an icon," G K said. He also questioned the silence of the present DSGMC leadership. On the other hand, singer Mika Singh came under attack from the X handle @Tractor2twitr_P, which is popular for its stance on pro-farmer issues in Punjab and Haryana. "Weeks before the Uri attack, @MikaSingh flew to Karachi to sing at the wedding of a billionaire who was a close aide of Parvez Musharraf, the mastermind of the Kargil war. Today he is lecturing @diljitdosanjh for acting alongside a Pakistani artist in a film produced, directed, and cast by someone else," read a post on the handle.
India Gazette
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
"Punjab, Punjabi, and Punjabiyat are with you": BJP leader Hobby Dhaliwal supports Diljit Dosanjh amid 'Sardaar Ji 3' backlash
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], June 28 (ANI): BJP leader and actor Hobby Dhaliwal has come out in support of Punjabi actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh amid the ongoing controversy over his film Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Speaking to ANI, Dhaliwal expressed, 'Even before this, many artists from Pakistan have worked in India... We are in favour of Diljit Dosanjh... The stages where the world's biggest artists dream of performing, our Punjabi gabru, with a turban on his head, proclaims 'Punjabi aa gaye oye'. When he goes to the same stage with the tricolour in his hand, then our pride becomes even greater... Punjab, Punjabi, and Punjabiyat are with you, Diljit.' The singer-actor has been facing a massive backlash for collaborating with a Pakistani artist, Hania Aamir, in his film 'Sardaar Ji 3'. The timing has added fuel to the ongoing controversy, as tensions between India and Pakistan remain high following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Sardaar Ji 3 was released in theatres on 27 June but was not released in India. Meanwhile, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees had sent a letter to the makers of Border 2, urging them to cut all ties with Diljit. 'Your involvement risks sending a deeply conflicting message, especially given your influence as a director known for socially resonant therefore, strongly appeal to you to reconsider your collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh and withdraw from associating with any artist who has been officially boycotted by FWICE. Upholding the dignity of our industry and the nation must remain paramount over professional or commercial interests,' the letter read. (ANI)
Mint
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Javed Akhtar defends Diljit Dosanjh, urges govt to show sympathy amid ‘Sardaar Ji 3' row: 'Bechara didn't know'
Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has come out in defence of actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, who is facing severe backlash over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming film 'Sardaar Ji 3'. In a recent interview with NDTV's Creators Manch, Akhtar called for a more nuanced and sympathetic response from both the government and film bodies. 'Ab kya karein bechara. The movie was shot earlier. Usko pata toh nahi tha ki aisa hoga,' Akhtar said, referring to the recent controversy. 'It's not a Pakistani's money that will be lost, it's an Indian's. So what's the point?' he added, stressing that punishing Diljit retroactively for a decision made before current tensions escalated would be unreasonable. The controversy erupted after the trailer of 'Sardaar Ji 3' was released on June 22, revealing Hania Aamir as the female lead. The casting drew immediate flak due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting calls for boycotts and official action. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a letter to filmmaker Imtiaz Ali—currently working on another project with Diljit—urging him to cut ties with the actor. The letter went further, requesting the Government of India to blacklist Dosanjh and revoke his passport and citizenship. Akhtar, however, argued for a more balanced approach, 'If he had known this was going to happen, he wouldn't have cast a Pakistani actor in the first place. I think the government and the censor board should look at the situation with a little sympathy. Say, 'Don't do this again,' but allow the film to release.' Akhtar's comments inject a voice of reason into what has rapidly become a politicised and polarising debate.
