Naseeruddin Shah is in the spotlight for supporting Diljit Dosanjh over Sardaar Ji 3. His latest statement (which he has now deleted), has sparked political backlash and reignited debate on India-Pakistan artistic ties.
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has come out strongly in support of Diljit Dosanjh, who’s been facing a wave of criticism for starring in Sardaar Ji 3 opposite Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. While the film was shot months before the April Pahalgam terror attack, its release now, amid the current India-Pakistan ties, has ignited calls for boycotts, industry blacklisting, and political backlash.
In a now-viral Facebook post, Shah made it clear that Diljit wasn’t even responsible for the casting, pointing out that decisions like these rest with the director. Yet the blame has conveniently landed on Diljit, simply because he’s a global name. Slamming the narrative pushed by political hardliners, Shah accused them of trying to erase personal bonds between Indians and Pakistanis under the guise of patriotism.
But that one-liner at the end didn’t go down well with BJP leaders, especially Maharashtra MLA Ram Kadam, who called the remark “anti-Hindu” and “insulting to crores of Indians.” He accused Shah of trivializing Kailasa, a holy site in Hinduism, by comparing it with Pakistan and demanded a public apology, framing the actor’s post as a publicity stunt.
The Sardaar Ji 3 Storm: Why All This Now?
So why is Sardaar Ji 3, the latest installment in a popular Punjabi film series, suddenly such a flashpoint?
Because it stars a Pakistani actress, and it’s releasing just after the Pahalgam attack. Though the movie was completed in February 2025, the climate has shifted drastically since then. With the Indian government curbing Pakistani talent from Indian media, industry bodies like FWICE jumped in to boycott Diljit, citing national sentiment and the sacrifices of soldiers.
In response, the film’s producers pulled its India release altogether. It’s now only premiering worldwide, skipping Indian cinemas despite the expected financial loss.
Speaking to BBC Asian Network, Diljit clarified that things were calm when the film was shot and emphasized that decisions like casting were out of his hands. He also praised Hania for being “very professional” during the shoot.
Post Deleted, But the Fire Still Burns
Shortly after the backlash intensified, Naseeruddin Shah’s Facebook post was taken down – either deleted by him or removed due to reported violations. But the message had already spread like wildfire. Screenshots were everywhere, and the debate over art, politics, and freedom of expression had already taken center stage. In trying to silence him, critics may have only amplified the very questions he raised about censorship, selective outrage, and the space for empathy across borders.
Shah’s solidarity doesn’t come out of nowhere. He’s famously portrayed a Pakistani character in Sarfarosh — the ghazal singer-turned-spy Gulfam Hassan — a role that deeply explored Indo-Pak themes. His post isn’t just a reaction; it’s a continuation of his belief that cultural exchange should not be dictated by hate politics.
At a time when cross-border connections are viewed with suspicion, his message, no matter how controversial, strikes at a bigger question: Can people-to-people ties survive political hostilities? Shah clearly thinks they can.
Sources: Samaa, Gulf News, Siasat, Daily times
