'Matches being played': Diljit Dosanjh addresses 'Sardaar Ji 3' controversy
What's the story
Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh recently addressed the controversy surrounding his film Sardaar Ji 3 over the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir. Speaking at a concert in Malaysia, he clarified that the film was shot months before the Pahalgam terror attack. He also stressed that Punjabis and Sikhs could never go against their nation.
Concert address
Dosanjh saluted Indian national flag at concert
A video from the concert has gone viral on social media, showing Dosanjh saluting the Indian National Flag. He said, "Woh mere desh da jhanda hai (That's my country's flag). Always respect." He then took permission from the audience to speak about a few things. Speaking in Punjabi, he said, "When my film Sardaarji 3 was shot in February, the matches were being played."
Tragic incident
'My film was shot before the attack'
Dosanjh also expressed his grief over the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, killing 26 people, mostly tourists. He said, "After that, the tragic Pahalgam terror attack happened. At that time, and even now, we have always prayed that the terrorists should receive strict punishment." "The difference is that my film was shot before the attack, and the matches are being played after the attack."
Media criticism
'Punjabis, Sikhs could never go against the nation'
Dosanjh further criticized the media for trying to portray him as anti-national. He said, "The national media tried their best to portray me as anti-national, but Punjabis and the Sikh community could never go against the nation." He also hinted at having many answers to accusations, but chose to remain silent. "I have many answers, but I kept quiet, kept everything inside me. I didn't speak."
Film release
Indian men's cricket team played Pakistan in ongoing Asia Cup
Earlier this year, Dosanjh faced backlash for casting Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3 amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. The film also stars Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover, and Sapna Pabbi. Directed by Amar Hundal, it was released overseas on June 27. Meanwhile, the Indian men's cricket team is playing the Pakistan team in the ongoing Asia Cup. There was a lot of hulaabaloo over whether the Indian squad should have played the neighbors.