Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has finally broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his film Sardaarji 3, the Pahalgam terror attack, and the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash.
Speaking at a live concert in Kuala Lumpur, the actor addressed the criticism he faced for casting Pakistani actor Hania Aamir and explained why he chose to stay silent for months despite mounting pressure and media scrutiny.
Saluting the Tricolour: “Woh Mere Desh Da Jhanda Hai”
In a viral clip from his concert, Diljit was seen saluting the Indian national flag and telling fans:
“Woh mere desh da jhanda hai (That’s my country’s flag). Always respect.”
He then sought permission from the audience before speaking about the controversy, emphasizing that Sikhs and Punjabis could never go against the country.
Clarification on Sardaarji 3 and Timeline of Events
Diljit clarified that his film Sardaarji 3 was shot much before the tragic events in Pahalgam.
“When my film was shot in February, matches were being played. The Pahalgam attack happened later,” he said, adding that critics had wrongly linked the film’s casting choice to current tensions.
The film, which starred Hania Aamir alongside Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover, and Sapna Pabbi, was released overseas on June 27 but was not screened in India due to the backlash.
Condemning the Pahalgam Attack & Calling for Justice
Expressing grief over the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, Diljit said:
“We have always prayed that the terrorists should receive strict punishment.”
He highlighted that while the attack happened after filming, his prayers for the victims have remained constant since the incident.
Criticism of Media Narrative
Diljit also took a dig at the media, accusing them of portraying him as “anti-national.”
“The national media tried their best to portray me as anti-national, but Punjabis and Sikhs could never go against the nation,” he stated.
Reason Behind His Silence
Addressing why he had refrained from commenting until now, the singer said:
“I have many answers, but I kept quiet, kept everything inside me. Whoever tells you anything, you shouldn’t take that poison inside you. I have learned that from life.”
He added that there was more he could say but preferred to move forward rather than escalate matters.
India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match: “Cricket Carries Pressure”
Diljit also commented on the recent India-Pakistan Asia Cup match on September 14, India’s first meeting with Pakistan since the Pahalgam attack. India secured a seven-wicket win under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy.
“It was a high-pressure game, but India played with full dominance,” he said, praising the team for keeping their composure despite public emotions running high.
Background: Sardaarji 3 Controversy and FWICE’s Reaction
Earlier this year, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had called for Diljit to be blacklisted from the Indian film industry and even sought cancellation of his citizenship over the film’s casting of a Pakistani actor. The order was later revoked.
Diljit has since completed filming for Border 2, an upcoming war drama directed by Anurag Singh, starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty, scheduled for release on January 23, 2026.
