Kangana Ranaut has criticised Diljit Dosanjh for casting Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, questioning his alignment with India’s national sentiment. In an interview with Times Now, she asserted that “some genuinely have their own agenda,” highlighting her concerns over public figures not fostering a sense of national unity.
Speaking on collective patriotism, Kangana emphasised, “Why is Diljit having his own path? Even a soldier has his own path of nationalism,” suggesting that artists, like politicians and soldiers, share responsibility in reflecting the country’s emotions.
Her remarks come in the wake of heightened India–Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and India’s subsequent cross‑border Operation Sindoor on May 7. After the attack and military operation, India took steps such as geo‑blocking social accounts of Pakistani artists and restricting their involvement in Indian content.
Diljit Dosanjh responded by clarifying that Sardaar Ji 3 was filmed before the Pahalgam attack and had no control over its timing, noting that its release was planned for overseas markets before the tension escalated.
The film, released internationally on June 27, has not been allowed in India following demands by industry bodies such as FWICE and AICWA. The controversy has sparked debate over the responsibilities of entertainers in times of diplomatic strain, with some celebrity voices calling for consequences. FWICE has urged Diljit’s removal from the upcoming patriotic film Border 2, and AICWA has sought permanent bans on his future projects.
Despite the backlash, Diljit has found support from both political and cultural figures. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann publicly backed Diljit, confirming that Sardaar Ji 3 was completed well before the Pahalgam incident. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah also defended Diljit, calling the criticism politically motivated and praising the film’s success abroad. Additionally, BJP leaders RP Singh and Manjinder Singh Sirsa came out in support of the actor, stating that targeting artists who’ve followed due process is unjust.
This debate raises a question many are asking: should artists pause cross‑border collaborations until diplomatic relations improve, or does art transcend politics?
