Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has come out in support of Diljit Dosanjh, who is currently facing backlash for starring opposite Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in the Punjabi film, Sardaar Ji 3. Imtiaz called Diljit a patriot and said that he doesn’t fake things.
In an interview with NDTV, Imtiaz said, “I can’t say much on the row, but since I know Diljit, I can say that he is filled with the spirit of patriotism. He is a son of the soil. You can see at all his concerts, he shows up with the Indian flag. He is not a guy who fakes things. No one asked him to do it but at the end of all his concerts, he says, ‘Main hoon Punjab’ (I am Punjab), carrying the Indian flag.”
Addressing the controversy over casting Hania in the film, Imtiaz said, “I don’t know the details, but casting someone isn’t the decision of the actor. I don’t know how it went, but I know that he has immense love for his country. Those who are able to see the truth within him will understand this.”
Diljit shared his views recently about the controversy during an interview with BBC Asian Network and said, “When the film was made, the situation was fine. This film was shot in February. A lot of things happened after that which are not in our control. When it (Pahalgam attack) happened, the producers knew that they can’t release this film in India anymore. But, they decided to release it overseas as they have invested a lot of money in the film. They will 100% suffer losses because they are removing an entire territory.”
Sardaarji 3 was scheduled earlier to hit the screens on June 27. It will only have an international release now. The film's trailer was shared by Diljit on social media, where he is seen romancing Hania.
Diljit and Imtiaz have worked together on Amar Singh Chamkila (2024). They are set to reunite again for a love story which is set to release in April 2026.
