Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has been at the receiving end of severe backlash ever since he dropped the trailer of his upcoming film, Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The actor has finally ended his silence on the controversy and stated that the entire film was shot before the Pahalgam attack and that a lot of money was at stake.
"Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation sab theek tha. We shot this in February and then everything was fine. Then a lot of things happened which were beyond our control," Diljit told BBC Asian Network.
He went on to say, "The producers knew that the film would obviously not release in India, and so they decided to release it overseas at least. Producers ka bahut paisa laga hua hai aur jab yeh film bann rahi thi tab aisa kuch tha nahi."
"They know there will be loss because you’re removing an entire territory. Even when I signed the film, everything was fine. Now, the situation is not in our hands. So if the producers want to release it abroad, I support them," he added.
Diljit on working with Hania Aamir
During the interview, Diljit also opened up on his bond with Hania and stated that they would interact only with respect to work.
"She’s very professional. I really respect her work and her privacy. I am also a very private person myself and I give everyone their space, especially women. To the point hi baat hoti hai, zyada kuch nahi," he shared.
About Sardaar Ji 3 controversy
Post the ghastly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the film bodies of India unanimously decided to not collaborate with Pakistani artists until further notice. But as Diljit announced his next film, Sardaar Ji 3, with Hania, it caused a nationwide uproar, with some even labelling the actor "a traitor".
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) called for a complete ban on Diljit in India, stating, "By working with a Pakistani actor, Diljit has hurt Indian sentiments. His preference for Pakistani talent over Indian artists raises serious questions about his loyalty and priorities."
Sardaar Ji 3 will only release overseas on June 27, 2025.
