‘Matches were happening when we shot the film’: Diljit Dosanjh breaks silence on Sardaar Ji 3 row

Kuala Lumpur: Popular actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his film Sardaar Ji 3 and his collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, which had sparked backlash following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.

Performing live in Malaysia, Diljit spoke candidly to his audience about the criticism he's faced and why he chose to stay silent—until now.

Addressing the crowd in Punjabi, Diljit clarified that Sardaar Ji 3 was shot much before the April 22 attack, specifically in February 2025, when there were no such tensions.

“Matches were happening at the time we shot the film,” he said, pointing out that the India-Pakistan cricket match in the ICC Champions Trophy on February 23, which India won.

He added, “We have always prayed for the harshest punishment for those involved in terrorism. But I stayed quiet. I had many things to say, but I chose not to speak.”

Criticism over Hania Aamir’s involvement

The controversy erupted after the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 was released on June 22, revealing Hania Aamir, a Pakistani actress, as part of the cast. The backlash intensified in India due to the proximity to the Pahalgam terror attack, leading to calls for a ban on the film and accusations of insensitivity.

While the film was barred from releasing in India, it premiered overseas on June 27. Since then, multiple Indian film bodies have demanded a permanent ban on the movie within the country.

In a bold statement, Diljit also took aim at how he was portrayed by the press. “The national media did everything they could to show me as anti-national,” he said. “But Punjabis, the Sikh community—we can never go against our nation.”

He concluded his address by saying that while there's a lot more he could say, he doesn’t want to go down that path. “There’s a lot inside me, but I won’t speak about it. I don’t want to get into that mess.”