BJP Backs Diljit Dosanjh in Sardaar Ji 3 Row. A scene from the movie.
The BJP backs Diljit Dosanjh in the Sardaar Ji 3 row, calling him a national asset and global ambassador of Indian culture, as backlash mounts over the film’s casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. While critics demand punitive action—including revocation of Dosanjh’s Indian citizenship—BJP leaders have stood by the singer-actor, stating the criticism is unwarranted and misplaced.
At the heart of the controversy is Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh, in which key scenes include Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had called for the film to be banned and even urged that Dosanjh’s citizenship be revoked. BJP spokespersons were quick to defend him, highlighting that the movie was filmed before the Pahalgam terror attack and that the casting was strictly a professional decision made by the producers.
According to The Indian Express, BJP national spokesperson R. P. Singh issued a strong statement in support of Dosanjh, saying, “He is not just a celebrated artist… but a national asset and global ambassador of Indian culture.” He further questioned the logic of targeting Dosanjh when India recently engaged with Pakistan on sporting and entertainment platforms without similar outrage. Singh insisted that while public anger over terror attacks is valid, making one actor the scapegoat is both excessive and irrational.
Punjab BJP culture cell convenor Hobby Dhaliwal also came to Dosanjh’s defense during a press conference, labelling the accusations politically motivated. He pointed to Diljit’s contributions to Punjabi culture and reiterated that the state of Punjab stood firmly behind the actor. Manjit Singh GK, former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee chief, echoed similar sentiments, stating that Dosanjh is “a son of the soil” and should not be maligned for decisions he had no direct control over.
The controversy has visibly divided Bollywood. While singer Mika Singh publicly criticised the casting, others like filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and lyricist Javed Akhtar stood by Dosanjh. Akhtar pointed out that there was no Pakistani investment in the film and that the casting was a creative choice, not a political statement. Imtiaz Ali commended Dosanjh for his “Indianness” and deep cultural roots.
Diljit Dosanjh himself maintained a composed response. In an interview with BBC Asian Network, he clarified that Sardaar Ji 3 was shot earlier this year and that the decision to go ahead with its international release was made to support the Indian producers, who faced severe financial risk. His former manager added that Dosanjh’s support for the film wasn’t driven by profit but by a desire to help a small team of filmmakers who had invested everything into the project.
Observers suggest that the controversy highlights a growing challenge in India’s creative space—balancing national sentiment with artistic freedom. While public emotions run high in the wake of national tragedies, industry experts caution against knee-jerk reactions that could damage artistic autonomy and stifle international collaborations.
BJP’s defense of Dosanjh signals a more nuanced position. R. P. Singh urged people to exercise their right to protest responsibly—by choosing what to watch or support—but warned against weaponising nationalism to target individuals. “This is not the way to promote national unity,” he said, “by questioning the patriotism of artists who have always carried the essence of India globally.”As Sardaar Ji 3 continues to release overseas but not in India, the split within Bollywood and the broader entertainment community deepens. For actors and producers alike, the incident serves as a warning: every creative decision today will be viewed under the lens of national politics. The support from the BJP may offer a cushion to Dosanjh, but it also raises larger questions about who gets to define patriotism—and at what cost.
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