Mumbai: Amid growing backlash over the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has finally addressed the criticism, saying the situation was "beyond control" and that decisions were made when "everything was fine."

In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit opened up about the controversy that erupted following the release of the film’s trailer on June 22, which coincided with heightened tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. “When this film was made, everything was fine. We shot it in February, and things were okay back then,” said the two-time Filmfare winner. “After that, a lot of big things happened that were beyond our control. So the producers decided that the film obviously won't be released in India now—they’ll release it overseas.”

He stressed that the project, both in production and casting, predates the attack and the current geopolitical climate. “The producers have invested a lot of money, they know there will be a loss because you're minusing (removing) an entire territory. Even when I signed the film, everything was normal. Now the situation is not in our hands, if they choose to release it abroad, I support them," he added.

Diljit, who also serves as a producer on Sardaar Ji 3, has been at the receiving end of social media outrage ever since the casting of Hania Aamir was announced. The criticism intensified after netizens highlighted Aamir’s past remarks on India’s military operations.

Makers clarify film’s timeline:

Responding to the controversy, the film’s production team issued a statement on Instagram, clarifying that the movie was filmed well before the April 22 Pahalgam attack. “This is to bring to everyone's kind notice that the film named, Sardaarji 3, was shot well before the prevailing situation that our country is facing now and it was never ever the case that any Pakistani artist was signed or was engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam,” the note stated.

The makers also said they will not release the film or any promotional material in India until “the situation becomes opportune.” “We stand united with our country and our fellow countrymen during this sensitive time,” the post added.

Diljit on working with Hania Aamir

Diljit also spoke warmly about his experience working with Hania Aamir, describing her as “very professional.” He said, “I really respect her work and her privacy. I’m also a very private person and I give everyone their space, especially women. We mostly spoke to the point, nothing more.”

On dealing with hate:

Addressing the hate directed toward him, Diljit took a spiritual perspective. “I don’t believe anyone truly hates us. Everyone is God’s creation. If someone is hating me, maybe it’s a reflection of something I need to change within myself,” he said. “They are not haters, they are like minions sent to test us.”