Diljit Dosanjh Breaks Silence on Sardaar Ji 3 Row, Pahalgam Attack

The singer-actor used his Malaysia concert to address the backlash over his film and the Pahalgam terror attack, emphasizing the chronological distance between the events and the India-Pakistan cricket match.

September 25, 2025: Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh used his recent concert in Malaysia as a platform to address the growing controversy surrounding his film, Sardaar Ji 3, his decision to cast Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, and the recent match between India and Pakistan.

Facing criticism that intensified after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, the Punjabi superstar finally broke his silence, stating that he has been quiet despite having “many answers to give.”

Clarification on Sardaar Ji 3 Filming

Addressing the audience in Punjabi, Dosanjh tackled the timeline of his film, which also stars Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover, and Sapna Pabbi.

“When my film Sardaarji 3 was shot in February, the matches were being played,” he said, clarifying that his collaboration with Hania Aamir was finalized and executed well before the escalation of tensions. The film, directed by Amar Hundal, was ultimately released overseas on June 27.

Grief and Timeline of Tragic Events

Diljit Dosanjh expressed his grief over the horrific Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people, mainly tourists, were killed on April 22.

“After that, the tragic Pahalgam terror attack happened. At that time, and even now, we have always prayed that the terrorists should receive strict punishment,” he stated.

He then highlighted the crucial difference in the sequence of events to counter the backlash: “The difference is that my film was shot before the attack, and the match was played after the attack.” The Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan, which India won but refused to greet the opponents, took place on September 14.

Slams National Media

The singer did not mince words when discussing the media’s coverage of the issue.

“The national media tried their best to portray me as anti-national, but Punjabis and the Sikh community could never go against the nation,” Dosanjh asserted.

The actor started his speech on a note of patriotism, with several social media clips showing him saluting the National Flag while proclaiming, “Woh mere desh da jhanda hai (That’s my country’s flag). Always respect.”

On Remaining Silent

Explaining his silence over the last few months, Diljit said he deliberately chose not to respond to the accusations.

“I have many answers, but I kept quiet, kept everything inside me. I didn’t speak… Whoever tells you anything, you shouldn’t take that poison inside you. I have learned that from life. So I didn’t say anything…There are a lot of things more to say, but I don’t want to do that, I don’t want to do that s***,” he concluded.

The row over Sardaar Ji 3 began against the backdrop of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor on May 7, which led to bans on several Pakistani artists’ social media accounts and a renewed push against cross-border artistic collaborations.