After Imtiaz Ali called Diljit Dosanjh “patriotic”, Javed Akhtar has come out in support of his Punjabi film, Sardaar Ji 3, which is facing the heat currently as it features Pakistani actor Hania Aamir. The veteran screenwriter-lyricist said that the government and censor board should consider the film’s release as otherwise an Indian producer will lose money.
Speaking to NDTV, Javed said, “I don’t know when exactly the film was made, but if it was completed before all this happened, what can the poor producer do? How could he have known what was going to happen later? An Indian producer will lose money due to this not a Pakistani.”
He added, “Had that poor guy known something like this was going to happen, he wouldn’t have cast the Pakistani actress. I believe the government and censor board should view this matter with sympathy and simply say: ‘Please don’t repeat this going forward.’ It shouldn’t happen again.”
Earlier, Film bodies decided to boycott Diljit for working with the Pakistani actor. The president of The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) told NDTV, “We will ensure that Diljit Dosanjh won't get work (films or concerts) in any part of India. If he doesn't withdraw the release of the film, he won't get work in India.”
Speaking about the controversy to BBC Asian Network, Diljit said, “The truth is when I signed the film, the situation was just fine. Now, when the producers want to release it overseas, I will have to stand with them and support their decision."
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.
