‘Sardaar Ji 3’ controversy: BJP, Javed Akhtar, and Imtiaz Ali speak out in support of Diljit Dosanjh

Amid growing backlash over the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, several prominent corners, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Javed Akhtar, and Imtiaz Ali, have spoken in support of lead actor and co-producer Diljit Dosanjh.

The controversy began after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) called for strict action against Dosanjh, including revoking his Indian citizenship. Their demand followed the announcement that Sardaar Ji 3 would not be released in India, a decision made by its producers in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The film, shot before the incident, released overseas on June 27.

BJP national spokesperson R P Singh publicly backed Dosanjh, calling him “a national asset and a global ambassador of Indian culture.” In a post on X, Singh criticised FWICE’s demands as “shockingly disproportionate,” noting that the film was completed prior to the Pahalgam attack and before any ban on cross-border collaborations.

He further questioned the selective outrage, pointing out that India’s cricket team played against Pakistan shortly before the attack and that television networks regularly feature Pakistani guests. “Let’s not cheapen nationalism or weaponise patriotism,” he wrote, urging FWICE to reconsider its position.

Punjab BJP’s Culture Cell Convenor and actor Hobby Dhaliwal echoed the sentiment during a press conference in Chandigarh. “Diljit is the son of this soil. Punjab stands with him — and India too,” he stated, calling the criticism “unjustified” and “politically motivated.”

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar also came to Dosanjh’s defense during a recent interview with NDTV. When informed that Sardaar Ji 3 was shot before the attack, he said, “Usko pata toh nahi tha ki aisa hoga (He didn’t know what would happen,)” adding that the government and censor board should show some sympathy and allow the release.

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, who is currently working on a film with Dosanjh, highlighted the actor’s patriotism, saying, “He is a son of the soil… he shows up with the Indian flag at every concert.” Ali also noted that casting decisions are not solely in the hands of actors.

Meanwhile, FWICE has sent a letter urging Ali to withdraw from his collaboration with Dosanjh, warning that continued association sends a “conflicting message.” They also appealed to the Government of India to blacklist the actor and revoke his citizenship and passport.