MUMBAI: The casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming film, Sardaar Ji 3, continues to ignite a fierce debate in the Indian entertainment industry. Amidst a prevailing ban on Pakistani artists, singer Mika Singh has now directly addressed Diljit Dosanjh, urging him to apologize for the perceived oversight and to remove any “objectionable scenes” featuring Aamir from the movie.
In a recent social media post, Mika Singh, clarifying that his previous veiled comments were indeed aimed at Diljit, stated, “Guys, I understand we all make mistakes in life. But when we do, there’s one simple word that holds power: Sorry. If Diljit made a mistake, we are all willing to forgive. But he must apologise and remove all objectionable scenes from the movie. That’s it. No hate. Just respect. Desh Pehle (Nation first).”
The controversy stems from Hania Aamir’s prominent role in Sardaar Ji 3, a decision that has drawn significant criticism from various quarters, including prominent film bodies in India. However, the film’s producers released an official statement on Tuesday, asserting that Sardaar Ji 3 was shot well before recent tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, specifically prior to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and subsequent Indian airstrikes. They emphasized that Hania Aamir was signed on long before these events, and the film will not be released in India as a gesture of solidarity. It is slated for an overseas release on June 27.
Adding another layer to the discussion, veteran Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi has come out in support of Diljit Dosanjh, questioning the “double standards” he observes in the industry. Jassi highlighted that while there’s an outcry over a single Pakistani artist, “80% of the songs of our industry have been stolen, be it their tunes or words or the entire songs.” He urged for a consistent approach if a ban on Pakistani artists is to be enforced, rather than selectively targeting individuals. The ongoing debate underscores the complex interplay between art, politics, and national sentiment in the Indian film fraternity.