Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh is currently embroiled in controversy surrounding his film 'Sardaar Ji 3'. The controversy stems from the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the film, which has led to him being heavily trolled on social media. The situation escalated when the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) demanded the cancellation of Diljit's Indian citizenship, intensifying the debate.
However, political support is now emerging in this controversy. Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa and BJP leader Hobby Dhaliwal have both openly defended Diljit and dismissed the accusations as baseless.
Don't Drag Artists into Politics
Senior Punjab Congress MLA Pratap Singh Bajwa, supporting Diljit Dosanjh, called FWICE's demand unjust and unfortunate. He stated that Diljit has proudly represented Indian and Punjabi culture on global platforms like Coachella and the Met Gala. Such artists should be appreciated, not dragged into controversies to tarnish their image.
Bajwa also said that the Indian film industry has creative freedom, and putting such political pressure on it is not a good practice. He emphasized that these films involve Indian investment and provide employment and recognition to the countrymen. Bajwa appealed that art, culture, and artists should be kept away from politics because they unite society, not divide it.
FWICE's Displeasure and Controversy After Operation 'Sindoor'
As soon as news of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir's presence in the film 'Sardaar Ji 3' surfaced after its release, harsh reactions against Diljit began on social media. The atmosphere became even more sensitive, especially after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, in which 26 soldiers were martyred, and in response to Operation 'Sindoor' by the Indian Army on May 7.
In this context, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and FWICE have bly objected to the casting of the Pakistani artist and demanded the cancellation of Diljit's citizenship.
BJP Leader Hobby Dhaliwal Also Defends
BJP leader and Punjabi actor Hobby Dhaliwal has also come forward in support of Diljit. He said that Diljit is not just an artist but also an international face of Punjabi culture. The film was shot when relations between India and Pakistan were normal, and the entire process was legally completed.
He termed FWICE's demand as politically motivated and completely baseless, saying that some people are deliberately trying to tarnish Diljit's image. He stated that demands like canceling the citizenship of artists are an attack on the democratic values and freedom of expression of the country.
This entire controversy has once again raised the question of whether art and artists should be protected from political wrangling. While questions of national interest are important on one hand, creative freedom and the presentation of Indian culture on global platforms cannot be ignored on the other. The political support Diljit Dosanjh is receiving makes it clear that the debate on this issue will continue in both society and politics.
