Javed Akhtar defends Diljit Dosanjh amid Sardaar Ji 3 row

Veteran screenwriter and writer Javed Akhtar has spoken retired successful defence of singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, who is presently facing backlash implicit his Punjabi movie Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani histrion Hania Aamir.

The movie released worldwide today, June 27, but successful India, amid contention implicit its casting and timing.‘He didn’t cognize this would happen’In a caller speech with NDTV, Akhtar responded to questions astir whether it was just to criticise Diljit for moving with a Pakistani actor. “Ab kya karein bechara. The movie was changeable earlier. Usko pata toh nahi tha ki aisa hoga,” helium said, referring to the Pahalgam violent onslaught earlier this year, aft which the contention escalated.He added that the accumulation was completed earlier the unfortunate incidental and said, “Iss mein Pakistani aadmi ka paisa toh nahi doobega, Hindustani ka paisa doobega. Toh phir kya faayda?” implying that punishing the movie would lone harm Indian stakeholders.Javed Akhtar suggests a balanced approachAkhtar suggested that the authorities should instrumentality a much empathetic presumption of the situation. “Usko pehle pata hota yeh hone wala hain, toh woh thodi na leta Pakistani actress,” helium said, suggesting that Diljit would person made a antithetic determination had helium known what was coming.

He continued, “I deliberation the authorities and the censor committee should look astatine the concern with a small sympathy. And accidental that don't bash this again, but since you made this movie before, past merchandise it.

But it should not hap again.”Backlash grows arsenic FWICE appeals to Imtiaz Ali and PM ModiThe contention surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 intensified aft the trailer dropped connected June 22, revealing Hania Aamir’s involvement. Since then, Diljit and his squad person faced disapproval from assorted quarters, including the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).The movie assemblage precocious sent a strongly-worded missive to filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, urging him to sever ties with Diljit Dosanjh. Imtiaz is presently moving connected an untitled movie with the singer-actor, reportedly scheduled for merchandise successful April 2026, featuring Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari.

FWICE’s missive stated, “Your engagement risks sending a profoundly conflicting message, particularly fixed your power arsenic a manager known for socially resonant themes… We powerfully entreaty to you to reconsider your collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh and retreat from associating with immoderate creator who has been officially boycotted by FWICE.”Going a measurement further, FWICE has appealed to the Government of India to instrumentality stringent enactment against Diljit and the film’s makers. Their missive requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revoke their passports and cancel their Indian citizenship, calling for a implicit manufacture boycott.Despite the uproar, Sardaar Ji 3 has managed to merchandise globally, barring India.