The Punjabi entertainment industry is currently witnessing a storm of opinions and controversies, primarily centered around Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming film "Sardaar Ji 3" and its casting choices. Adding fuel to the fire, singer Guru Randhawa's recent cryptic social media posts have sparked widespread speculation about a potential rift between him and Dosanjh.
The core of the controversy surrounding "Sardaar Ji 3" stems from the inclusion of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the film. With heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, the casting decision has drawn heavy criticism. Several Indian film bodies and a segment of the public have expressed strong disapproval, leading to calls for a ban on the film and even on Diljit Dosanjh himself.
Amidst this backlash, Guru Randhawa's social media activity has caught the attention of many. He posted a message that, while not directly naming Diljit Dosanjh, was widely interpreted as a dig at the singer-actor. Randhawa's post alluded to artists needing to be proud of their origins, with the line "Even if now your citizenship is not Indian but you were born here pls remember this. This country made great artists and we all are proud of it." This statement was perceived by many as a jab at Dosanjh, especially considering the ongoing "Sardaar Ji 3" controversy. In another post, Randhawa seemed to criticize the use of public relations tactics, stating, "When the PR team is more talented than the talent itself, controversies become part of the daily routine." This added another layer to the speculation, with some interpreting it as Randhawa suggesting that the controversy surrounding Dosanjh's film might be a manufactured publicity stunt.
Adding to the complexity, some social media users have pointed out a past incident where Diljit Dosanjh faced criticism for using "Panjab" instead of "Punjab" and for not including the Indian flag emoji in a post. This earlier controversy resurfaced in light of the current situation, further fueling the debate about Dosanjh's patriotism.
In response to the backlash, the makers of "Sardaar Ji 3" have defended their decision to cast Hania Aamir, explaining that she was signed on before the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. They have also announced that the film will not be released in India, a decision that Diljit Dosanjh has publicly supported. Dosanjh stated that the decision to not release the film in India was made to mitigate possible losses, and emphasized Hania Aamir's professionalism during filming.
Despite the criticism, Dosanjh has also found support from within the industry. Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi has spoken out against what he sees as double standards, pointing out that many Indian films use music "lifted" from Pakistani songs. Dosanjh's manager, Sonali Singh, also issued a statement, calling the criticism "disheartening and unfair," and emphasizing that the film was shot before the current political climate intensified.
The situation remains complex, with opinions divided on the appropriateness of cross-border collaborations in the current political climate. While some are calling for boycotts and bans, others are defending artistic expression and questioning the selective targeting of artists. As "Sardaar Ji 3" prepares for its overseas release, the controversy surrounding the film and the cryptic posts from Guru Randhawa continue to generate buzz and debate within the Punjabi entertainment industry and beyond.
