After working with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir on the recently released Sardaar Ji 3, actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has become embroiled in an increasingly heated controversy.
The casting choice has drawn a lot of criticism from Indian fans and public figures amid the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Reacting to the controversy, actress Kangana Ranaut, known for her outspoken views on national issues, spoke to Times Now and expressed concern over what she perceives as a lack of unified national sentiment within the entertainment industry.
“I've spoken extensively about such individuals before,” Kangana said. “From the beginning of our conversation, I emphasised the importance of cultivating a spirit of nation-building. Everyone—artists, cricketers, politicians, even soldiers—plays a role. Why don’t we see that same spirit of alignment in all fields?”
She further questioned the individualistic approach taken by certain public figures, suggesting it undermines a collective vision for the nation. “Why is Diljit pursuing his own path, separate from the collective sentiment? Why should anyone be exempt from the shared responsibility of nationalism?” Kangana asked.
“The soldier, the politician, even the common citizen—all have their unique roles, but the goal should be the same.”
Elaborating further, she added, “Some people may have their own agendas. I'm not suggesting that's inherently wrong or unnatural, but we must work towards aligning everyone with a shared national purpose. That kind of alignment won’t happen on its own—it has to be driven by awareness and accountability, especially among public figures.”
The timing of Sardaar Ji 3's international release on June 27, just after the Pahalgam terror attack in India on April 22, heightened the backlash against the movie.
With India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor on May 7, which involved targeted airstrikes against terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the situation worsened.
Indian authorities responded by blocking the social media accounts of Hania Aamir and other well-known Pakistani celebrities.
Even though there is still a lot of controversy surrounding cross-border film collaborations, Sardaar Ji 3, which was directed by Amar Hundal and starred Diljit Dosanjh, Hania Aamir, Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover, and Sapna Pabbi, is still attracting international attention.
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