Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his film Sardaar Ji 3. At a recent concert in Kuala Lumpur, the artist addressed the criticism and clarified the timeline of events.
He explained that the film was shot before the tragic Pahalgam attack in April. He contrasted this with the India-Pakistan cricket matches that have continued after the attack. According to him, the backlash against the film felt unfair when compared with the response to cricket games.
During the concert, a video of which has gone viral on X, Diljit Dosanjh saluted the national flag and expressed his loyalty to India. “Woh mere desh da jhanda hai (That’s my country’s flag). Always respect,” he said, while the crowd cheered.
He then sought permission from the audience before opening up about the controversy. “When my film Sardaar Ji 3 was shot in February, the matches were being played,” he said. He stressed that the project was completed before the Pahalgam incident, which claimed several lives.
The singer expressed sorrow over the attack. He added that whoever was responsible should face strict punishment. He underlined that the timing of his film should not be linked with later events.
Diljit Dosanjh also spoke about being targeted for working with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir. The collaboration took place before tensions escalated between India and Pakistan. At the time, he chose not to respond to the criticism. “I kept quiet, kept everything inside me. There are many things to say,” he admitted.
He also shared how the national media painted him as anti-national. He strongly denied such claims, stating, “Everyone knows that a Punjabi Sardar can never be a traitor.” His statement drew applause from the audience.
The controversy around Sardaar Ji 3 has been ongoing since its release. Critics pointed out the presence of a Pakistani actor and questioned the timing of its international release. The makers decided not to reshoot or cut her scenes, releasing the film unchanged across the globe. However, in India, the film faced restrictions.
Earlier this year, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) demanded action against Diljit Dosanjh. The body even called for the cancellation of his Indian citizenship and asked the film industry to blacklist him.
Despite the backlash, Diljit Dosanjh has continued performing and addressing fans worldwide. His comments at the Kuala Lumpur concert highlighted his patriotism and his perspective on the controversy. He emphasized the difference between his film’s production timeline and the cricket matches that still draw massive crowds.
The singer-actor’s remarks have sparked fresh debate online. Supporters praised his honesty and respect for the national flag, while critics continued to question his choice of co-star.
At the concert, his words connected with the audience. Many fans cheered as he compared the treatment of his film with the excitement around India-Pakistan matches.
For now, Diljit Dosanjh has made it clear that his silence was a matter of choice. He wanted to avoid adding fuel to the controversy. But with his recent statement, he has attempted to set the record straight.
