Yes, let’s shine the spotlight on the latest Sardaar Ji 3 release controversy, where Pak-India collaborations are stealing the spotlight — in the most problematic way ever.
From Fawad Khan’s impending cross-border film Abir Gulaal release and then not, to Mawra Hocane’s recent re-release Sanam Teri Kasam’s phenomenal success in Indian cinemas to Hania Aamir’s random yet wow appearance at a Diljit Dosanjh concert, to Arijit Singh live-crooning ‘Zaalima’ for Mahira Khan before a thronging and cheering Indian-Pakistani crowd in concert in Dubai, to an impending release of a promising Pakistani blockbuster penned by Farhat Ishtiaq fielding a formidable Pakistani cast JBHSSL on Netflix India to,… and let’s not forget Sports – Indian Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem giving off uncomfortably friends-like-family feels – the question to ponder over is: Were the recent Indian hostilities and blame games on Pahalgam just a sneak peek into the real emotions of certain Indian factions not able to contain their ire at a cross-border rivalry turning into a slow burn dosti?
We might not believe in conspiracy theories but connecting the dots to this one, the unhinged emotions from across the border that came from somewhere deeper than what a far-right regime could control, or digest comfortably, and the instant and almost overnight ban on Pakistani celebrities having anything at all to do with Bollywood projects, followed up by Indian celebrities (almost forcibly) endorsing the same on their social media handles, seems like there was always more to the game plan than meets the eye.
Where the ordinary citizens of hostile nations often rely on their artists to bring sanity and build bridges between warring nations.
There seems to be a bigger force at work here. One that’s burning bridges even before the foundations have been laid.
And now that the dust was nearly settling, now that all ties were (superficially) cut, Diljit Dosanjh, the lone warrior, or prodigal son (depending on which side of the border you belong) throws caution to the winds and decides to to go rogue to launch Pakistani actor (and a fan favourite on both sides of the border) Hania Aamir as the face of Sardaar Ji 3.
To expect that the Indians would take this slight ‘slightly’ is perhaps naive. But now the trailer’s out, the wheels have been set in motion, and Sardaar Ji 3 is slated to release in cinemas globally, barring an Indian release. What happens next?
While Diljit Dosanjh faces threats of a ban in his home country, will he still be able to go ahead with the Sardaar Ji 3 release?
As for Diljit. Amidst threats of a ban and revoking of his passport at home, he seems to be carrying on unfazed with Sardaarji 3 promotions.
Really, all this for a film that isn’t even supposed to screen a political narrative, and against a star who inspires so much love in your country?
How will the ‘powers that be’ prevent this one from happening?
The Indian ban on Pakistani artists working in Indian projects has been met with a measure of success within the Bollywood entertainment industry and artists from both sides have been exchanging allegations and engaging in a war of words.
But what and who seemed to defy this animosity, and in public, was Diljit and Hania’s dosti…
This is what’s playing out for the time being. All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) released this press statement:
“AICWA Condemns Inclusion of Pakistani Actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3 Calls for Boycott of Singer & Producer Diljit Dosanjh … ” labeling Pakistan a terrorist country and Hania Aamir also a “terrorist…”
BN Tiwari, president of Federation of Western India Cine Employees, (FWICE), criticised Dosanjh for working with Aamir (labelled a vocal propagandist) and demanded a complete ban on all his future projects – as reported by ANI, in its official letter addressed to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
The question remains, how will the folks across the border stop this one from happening, especially since Sardaar Ji 3 is not releasing in India for the time being, say creators? Or will they let it rest, at least for now. Diljit’s team have clarified, specifically for their Indian audience why they’re not releasing in India. As it was shot before the Pahalgam incident, and they clarified no Pakistani was added on board after that.
But don’t get your feathers in a ruffle folks – remember, anything you hear is just a conspiracy theory. (Just like Pakistani actor Hania Aamir labeled a vocal propagandist and terrorist by some across the border, yeah you know how that plays out).
And you also know we have a penchant for conspiracy theories. And memes. But fun fact: You never know which one comes first.
