Amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has come under intense criticism for working alongside Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the upcoming film Sardar Ji 3. The controversy has led to a ban on the movie’s release in India, with a strong boycott campaign against Diljit gaining momentum across social media platforms.
While the backlash has been fierce, a section of fans and fellow artists have rallied behind the singer-actor. Bollywood star Vaani Kapoor has been among the most vocal in his support, arguing that Diljit has not violated any laws. She pointed out that the film was likely shot before recent political developments and involved over 100 technical crew members, stressing that punishing the project hurts many beyond the lead actors.
Kapoor further highlighted that Diljit’s global reputation and dedication to his craft make it unlikely that he intended any disrespect towards India. She also noted that he may have invested heavily in the production and could suffer significant financial losses due to the ban, which comes at a time of escalating restrictions on cultural exchanges with Pakistan.
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has also spoken in favour of Dosanjh, calling for a more constructive resolution rather than punitive measures. However, several Indian artists remain opposed to the film, maintaining their stance in line with the prevailing hardline approach following the Pulwama attack and the failed military operation known as “Operation Sindoor.”