Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar has spoken out in support of actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, who is currently facing backlash for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his latest Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3. The film, which hit theatres globally on June 27, was notably not released in India, reportedly due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
Many have criticized Diljit for working with a Pakistani artist during such a sensitive time. However, Javed Akhtar has urged people to approach the matter with understanding and rationality. Speaking to NDTV, Akhtar emphasized that the film was completed well before the current geopolitical climate intensified.
“What could he have done?” Akhtar asked. “The movie was already shot. He couldn’t have known this situation would arise. And ultimately, it’s not Pakistani money at stake—it’s Indian investment. So what’s the point of banning it now?”
He further explained that Diljit likely wouldn’t have chosen a Pakistani actor had he known things would escalate. “If he had known in advance, he wouldn’t have cast a Pakistani artist. I think the government and the censor board should be a little more empathetic in this case. They could say, ‘Don’t do this again,’ but since the film was made earlier, let it be released. Just don’t allow it to happen in future projects.”
About Sardaar Ji 3
Saradar Ji 3 features Diljit Dosanjh reprising his beloved role as a quirky ghost hunter. Directed by Amarjit Singh Saron, the movie is backed by White Hill Studios and Story Time Productions, with Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu, and Diljit himself serving as producers. Apart from Hania Aamir, the cast also includes Manav Vij, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, and Sapna Pabbi. Due to the ongoing controversy, the film was released only in international markets, bypassing Indian theatres completely.
