BJP Supports Diljit Dosanjh Amid 'Sardaar Ji 3' Controversy, Calls Him a National Asset

Amid mounting criticism over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Amir in Sardaar Ji 3, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped forward in support of actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, who has faced calls for a boycott and even demands to revoke his Indian citizenship.

BJP national spokesperson R P Singh defended Dosanjh on social media platform X, describing him as a “celebrated artist,” a “national asset,” and a “global ambassador of Indian culture.” He called the demand by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to strip Dosanjh of his citizenship “unfair” and “shockingly disproportionate.”

The Controversy

The backlash erupted after Hania Amir, a Pakistani actress, was cast in Sardaar Ji 3, sparking criticism due to heightened tensions following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Critics, including FWICE, questioned the decision to feature a Pakistani actor in an Indian film so soon after the incident and accused Dosanjh of being insensitive to national sentiments.

In response, Singh clarified that the film was shot before the Pahalgam attack and called for a more reasoned approach. “If there is anguish, it can be expressed through a boycott or by urging that the film not be screened in India,” he said, adding that questioning Dosanjh’s patriotism is “simply irrational.”

BJP Questions Double Standards

Singh also pointed out the double standards often seen in public discourse. “Just days before the Pahalgam incident, the Indian cricket team played against Pakistan. Did FWICE raise objections then? TV news channels regularly host Pakistani guests to drive TRPs — should those anchors now surrender their citizenship too?” he asked, urging FWICE not to “weaponize patriotism.”

He appealed to the federation to reconsider its stance, suggesting that such extreme actions weaken the country’s moral standing rather than strengthening it.

FWICE’s Response

Despite BJP’s support for Dosanjh, FWICE remains firm in its opposition. Its Chief Advisor, Ashoke Pandit, reiterated their disapproval, questioning how the filmmakers could “forget” past terror attacks such as those in Uri, Pulwama, and Mumbai. He accused Dosanjh of being “careless about the emotions of the country” and criticized him for not condemning alleged controversial statements made by Hania Amir regarding India.

FWICE has also written to the Government of India, seeking official action against the film and its production team.

Film Release Update

Sardaar Ji 3, which stars Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Amir, was released internationally on June 27. However, due to the ongoing controversy, the film will not be released in India.

While Dosanjh has publicly stated that casting decisions are beyond his control, the controversy underscores the heightened sensitivities surrounding cross-border collaborations in the arts — especially during periods of national grief and tension.