“Sometimes you call him a ‘Sardar,' and sometimes you brand him a ‘Gaddar.' What is his fault?
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Session, CM Bhagwant Mann supports Diljit Dosanjh Latest News: The controversy over the non-release of Sardaar Ji 3 in India sparked a heated debate in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday, as a senior leader strongly defended actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh and slammed attempts to question his patriotism.
Raising the issue during the ongoing Assembly session, the leader said, “Sometimes you call him a ‘Sardar,’ and sometimes you brand him a ‘Gaddar.’ What is his fault? That he acted in a film with a Pakistani actress? Sardaar Ji 3 was shot much before the Pahalgam terror attack. Why punish an artist for something that happened later?”
The film, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, has been at the center of a political firestorm following calls to boycott cross-border collaborations in the wake of the recent Pahalgam attack — one of the deadliest in recent times. As a result, the film was released globally but blocked from theatrical release in India.
Visibly agitated, the leader questioned the growing trend of branding artists as anti-national. “Will you now start issuing certificates of nationalism to actors? This is not just about Diljit Dosanjh — this is about every artist in Punjab who’s being forced to walk a tightrope between creativity and politics.”
The remarks triggered reactions across party lines, with some MLAs nodding in agreement while others remained silent.
Outside the Assembly, the issue continues to divide public opinion. While many in Punjab have come out in support of Diljit, calling the backlash unjustified, others argue that sensitivities post-Pahalgam attack must be respected.
As the Assembly session progresses, it remains to be seen whether a formal resolution or discussion will be taken up on the matter. But one thing is clear — the Sardaar Ji 3 controversy has now moved beyond cinema and firmly entered the political arena.
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