Diljit Dosanjh's 'Sardaar Ji 3' Criticized for Casting Pakistani Actress; Abhijit Bhattacharya Responds - 'Hindustan Belongs to Our Fathers.'
Diljit Dosanjh: Diljit Dosanjh's much-anticipated Punjabi film 'Sardaar Ji 3' has become embroiled in controversy even before its release. The reason for this is the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the film. While a section of social media is criticizing Diljit, the actor-singer, during a live concert, responded harshly to the trolls, which has now become the cause of another controversy.
Recently, a video of Diljit Dosanjh went viral on the internet, in which he is seen saying from the stage: 'If they are against... let them be, it's not a life. This is all a prayer, it's not the sky. Everyone's blood is involved in this soil, it is not anyone's father's Hindustan.' This line has caused an uproar and a new debate has started regarding patriotism.
Abhijit Bhattacharya retaliated
Bollywood's senior singer Abhijit Bhattacharya has bly reacted to Diljit's statement. He posted a video on his Instagram account in which he clearly said - 'Hindustan belongs to our fathers, to the ancestors of our fathers. This land was not obtained just like that, it has been watered by our ancestors with blood and sweat.'
In this video of Abhijit, he was holding the tricolor flag and 'Saare Jahan Se Achha' was playing in the background. He wrote in the caption - 'Hindustan belongs to our fathers...'
This reaction has intensified the debate on social media.
Why the controversy?
The presence of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the trailer of 'Sardaar Ji 3' gave rise to the controversy. Some users questioned why a Pakistani artist was being given work in an Indian film when India-Pak relations are so sensitive.
Diljit Dosanjh's reaction to this was seen during his 'Dil-Luminati' tour. He openly expressed his feelings on stage. But his statement 'it is not anyone's father's Hindustan' was misunderstood by the people and he started being targeted as anti-national.
Imtiaz Ali extended support
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, who has worked with Diljit in films like 'Amar Singh Chamkila,' defended Diljit in this entire matter. He said: 'I know Diljit personally. He is a patriot. He comes on stage with the Indian flag in every show and shows patriotism without saying anything.'
Imtiaz further said that taking an artist in a film is not just the actor's decision. The producer, director, and the team make the decision together.
Anger and support erupted on social media
Social media seems to be divided into two parts regarding this controversy. On one hand, hashtags like #BoycottDiljit are trending, while on the other hand, people are supporting him through #WeStandWithDiljit.
One user wrote: 'If Diljit was anti-national, why would he raise the tricolor in every show?'
Another said: 'As long as Pakistan spreads terror, artists from there should not get a place here.'
What do film experts say?
Bollywood experts believe that whenever a Pakistani artist appears in an Indian film amidst India-Pak disputes, controversy is certain. But it is not appropriate to blame only the artist.
A senior film critic said: 'Casting in the film industry is a collective decision. If the government has not imposed a ban on anyone, then pressure to boycott at a personal level should not be created.'
Diljit's silence became a topic of discussion
Diljit Dosanjh has not given any separate statement on this controversy yet. His concert video is considered his only response so far. His fans hope that he will soon clarify his stand on this.
