Naseeruddin Shah has found himself in the middle of a political and cinematic storm after expressing support for Diljit Dosanjh, who is facing backlash over the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3. The collaboration has stirred criticism amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor.
In a now-deleted Facebook post, Shah defended Diljit, writing, “I STAND FIRMLY WITH DILJIT. The dirty tricks deptt of Jumla Party has been awaiting a chance to attack him. They think they’ve got it at last. He was not responsible for the casting of the film, the director was. But no one knows who he is whereas Diljit is known the world over, and he agreed to the cast because his mind is not poisoned.”
His statement did not sit well with many, including filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA). In a sharp response to ANI, Pandit criticised Shah’s choice of words, “We are not surprised, not shocked, by Naseeruddin Shah’s response to Diljit Dosanjh’s entire episode. He calls us the Jumla party, he calls us goons. The educated, versatile actor, senior person in the industry, calling us goons proves the frustration and kind of restlessness of Naseeruddin Shah.”
He went on to add, “For us, our country comes first. So, our response to the entire episode, our response to the entire film Sardar 3, according to us is right. Let me tell you Naseer sahab, we have taken a call of issuing a non-cooperation against Diljeet and we have already issued.”
Sardaar Ji 3 Row
The backlash comes amid the tensions between India and Pakistan post the Pahalgam attack. Even though the makers clarified that they shot Sardaar Ji 3 with Hania before the Pahalgam attack, both Diljit and the filmmakers have been receiving backlash.
The film is scheduled to release overseas on June 27, but its release in India has been put on hold for now, reports say. Diljit dropped the trailer on Instagram, while the trailer has been uploaded to YouTube, it appears to be geo-blocked in India.
All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) wrote a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for immediate and stringent action against Diljit. It further urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny certification to all of Diljit’s future film projects. The association warned of legal action against any production house or individual who chooses to work with the actor moving forward.
‘Sardar Ji 3’ is a horror-comedy, directed by Amar Hundal and its story is based in the UK. In this, Diljit and Hania play ghost hunters who investigate the strange events happening in a haunted mansion.
Also Read: Is Diljit Dosanjh Being REPLACED By Ammy Virk In Border 2 After Sardaar Ji 3 Row? What We’re Hearing
