Mumbai, June 30, 2025: Acclaimed actor Naseeruddin Shah has spoken out in strong support of singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, who is facing intense criticism from right-wing factions in India over his appearance in the newly released film Sardaar Ji 3, which stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir.
As backlash against Dosanjh mounts—ranging from public condemnation to calls for banning his future projects—Shah has publicly condemned the “politically motivated attacks” targeting the artist. In a viral social media post, Shah declared: “I STAND FIRMLY WITH DILJIT. The dirty tricks deptt of Jumla Party has been awaiting a chance to attack him. They think they’ve got it at last. He was not responsible for the casting of the film, the director was.”
Shah lauded Dosanjh’s inclusive mindset and refusal to cave into divisive politics. “Diljit is known the world over, and he agreed to the cast because his mind is not poisoned,” he wrote, adding that extremist groups are trying to sever people-to-people connections between India and Pakistan.
“They want to stop personal interaction between Indians and Pakistanis,” Shah said. “But I have close relatives and dear friends across the border. No one can stop me from meeting them or sending them love whenever I feel like it.”
The controversy ignited after Sardaar Ji 3 premiered, with critics targeting Dosanjh for sharing screen space with a Pakistani co-star. Right-wing commentators accused him of being “anti-national,” despite the film’s commercial success and warm reception in Pakistan.
In a pointed response to frequent taunts of “Go to Pakistan” directed at artists, Shah quipped: “My response to those who say that is — Go to Kailasa.” The remark, referencing the controversial self-proclaimed godman Nithyananda’s self-declared nation, has since gone viral.
Shah’s bold stance has earned widespread praise online, with many hailing his courage to speak out against hate politics and his unwavering support for artistic freedom and cross-border dialogue amid rising polarization in Indian society.
