Web StoriesDiljit Dosanjh Breaks His Silence On Bollywood Ban And Sardaar Ji 3 Fallout
What began as a routine trailer drop has now spiralled into one of the most consequential controversies Bollywood has seen this year. Diljit Dosanjh, singer, actor, global icon, and now producer, unveiled the trailer of his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3 on June 22. The film, a continuation of his popular franchise, was poised for a summer release. However, instead of creating excitement, Bollywood might be banning Diljit Dosanjh. And after much speculation, Diljit has finally addressed the controversy.
Why are film bodies banning Diljit Dosanjh from Bollywood?
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Days after the release of Diljit Dosanjh’s new movie, Detective Sherdil, his fans and the official film bodies are fairly disappointed in him. Well, this is because his upcoming movie, Sardaar Ji 3 stars Pakistani actor Hania Aamir alongside him and Neeru Bajwa. In isolation, this casting might have stirred mild debate, but in today’s geopolitical climate, it’s a lightning rod.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack in April and Operation Sindoor in May, which reignited India-Pakistan tensions, any perceived cultural collaboration is under a microscope. And Sardaar Ji 3, by including a Pakistani artist, has found itself deep in controversy. Diljit, as both actor and producer, is now facing the full brunt of the backlash.
Two heavyweight film bodies — the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) — have announced a comprehensive professional boycott of Diljit Dosanjh. BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, told NDTV, “There will be complete co-operation. If the film releases anywhere, we will issue a directive of non-cooperation. We will ensure that Diljit Dosanjh won’t get work (films or concerts) in any part of India.”
AICWA mirrored the sentiment in an official post, urging all stakeholders from production houses to music companies to sever ties with the actor, calling it a matter of “patriotic duty”. FWICE has also written to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), urging it to deny Sardaar Ji 3 a censor certificate.
The online space hasn’t been kind either. What started as excitement under Diljit’s trailer post quickly turned hostile, with fans accusing him of being a “gaddar”. Fans are questioning why an actor who proudly represents his Punjabi and Indian identity would collaborate with a Pakistani actor during such sensitive times.
What Diljit has to say about Sardaar Ji 3 controversy?
After days of silence and growing speculation, Diljit Dosanjh has finally broken his silence on the Sardaar Ji 3 controversy. In an interview with BBC Asian Network, the singer-actor addressed the backlash around the film’s makers casting actor Hania Aamir and its now-shelved Indian release. Here’s what he said, “Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation sab theek tha. Uske baad, bhut saari badi cheezen humare haath mein nahi hai. Toh producers ne decide kiya ki film obviously ab India toh nahi lagegi, toh overseas release karte hain. Toh producers ka bahut paisa laga hua hai, toh vo bahar release karna chahte hain toh mein unke saath hoon.”
Diljit’s statement comes after a whirlwind of backlash, with industry bodies calling for a boycott and social media users labelling him a “gaddar.” But at the same time, a wave of support has also emerged online. Many fans have stepped in to defend him, pointing out that the film was completed long before the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, arguing that it’s unfair to punish a creative project retroactively. One user wrote in the comments, “To all who think the movie shouldn’t release, they must look at the hard work of behind the screen artists, actors are just the face but the professionals, artists, labour who work day and night deserves to be seen!”
What does it mean for Sardaar Ji 3?
With the Indian release under threat, the makers are looking overseas. The film will release internationally in key markets where Diljit’s popularity remains undented. But the question remains: can international success shield an artist while their own industry turns its back on them?
The industry has previously distanced itself from Pakistani artists during times of conflict. But this is different — industry bodies are penalising an Indian citizen, one of the country’s most bankable stars. Diljit Dosanjh may have made a creative decision, but it’s the political fallout that could redefine his professional life. Could this Bollywood ban end Diljit Dosanjh’s career? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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