Diljit Dosanjh Faces Backlash Over Casting Pakistani Actress Hania Aamir

Popular Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh is facing criticism in India for featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming film “Sardaar Ji 3.” Several Indian celebrities, singers, and film bodies have opposed him over this decision.

The backlash intensified because after the recent Pahalgam incident, tensions escalated between India and Pakistan, and during that period, Hania Aamir made several harsh anti-India statements. Diljit, however, chose to remain silent on her remarks, which many believe he should have publicly condemned. Had he responded at that time, perhaps he wouldn’t be facing such intense criticism now.

On social media, some posts — including comments from Punjabi singers — have gone as far as labeling Diljit a traitor, even demanding that his Indian citizenship be revoked.

However, Diljit has now started receiving support from Sikh leaders and the broader Sikh community, both in India and abroad.

• Harmeet Singh Kalka, President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, and Jagdeep Singh Kahlo, its General Secretary, issued a statement in support of Diljit, affirming that he is a proud Sikh actor who has elevated the image of Sikhi and the Indian flag internationally, and that he does not need to prove his patriotism to anyone.
• Paramjit Singh Sarna, President of the Delhi unit of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), said that when the film was being made, no one could have foreseen that relations between India and Pakistan would deteriorate like this. While he acknowledged the current hostile relationship between the two nations, he stressed the need to maintain cultural and social ties. He also reminded that several Sikh shrines lie in Pakistan, and peaceful relations are needed for pilgrims to visit them freely.
• Former DSGMC President Manjit Singh GK also criticized the right-wing opposition to the film. He questioned why there is no outrage when India and Pakistan play cricket in Dubai or when Pakistani panelists appear on Indian news channels, yet a Pakistani actress in a movie is being singled out.
• DSGMC advisor Paramjit Singh Chandhok went a step further, saying that this is not just an attack on Diljit but on Sikhi and the Sikh turban itself. He emphasized that films are a form of art and business, and political ideology should not be imposed upon them. Hence, opposition to the film is completely unjustified.
• BJP leader R.P. Singh also voiced his support for Diljit, tweeting:
  “Diljit is not just an artist; he is a global face of Indian culture and a national asset. Demanding the cancellation of his citizenship is utterly irrational. Patriotism should not be weaponized — this deserves serious reconsideration.”
• DSGMC member Bhupinder Singh Ginny added that this situation is nothing new — India and Pakistan have shared a tense relationship for the past 78 years, yet Pakistani actors and musicians have continued to contribute to Indian films. Even today, Pakistani dramas and series are widely watched on social media platforms. He expressed concern over how some singers are now making unnecessary and baseless statements against Diljit, which he believes is unfair and uncalled for.

In summary, while Diljit Dosanjh faces a wave of criticism for his association with a Pakistani actress, he is also being strongly defended by several influential Sikh voices and political figures who view the attack on him as unjust, misplaced, and harmful to artistic freedom and the broader cultural landscape.