Javed Akhtar Advocates for Diljit Dosanjh Amid Sardaar Ji 3 Controversy

In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar has publicly expressed his support for actor Diljit Dosanjh, whose upcoming film, 'Sardaar Ji 3', has become embroiled in controversy due to its association with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The film's trailer, released shortly after a significant terrorist attack in Pahalgam, has raised concerns about its potential performance and the implications for the artists involved.

During a recent interview with NDTV, Akhtar referred to Dosanjh as 'bechara' (poor thing) and emphasized the need for the Indian government to adopt a sympathetic approach in this situation. He remarked, 'What can the poor thing do? He didn't know something like this would happen. The monetary loss will be of the Indians and not of the Pakistanis,' highlighting the economic impact that the ban could impose on Indian stakeholders in the film industry.

The tensions between the two nations escalated significantly following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which led to India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. This operation involved airstrikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In the aftermath, several Pakistani artists faced bans on their social media accounts in India, further complicating cross-border collaborations in the entertainment sector.

Despite the backlash, Akhtar called for the government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to reconsider their stance on the release of 'Sardaar Ji 3.' He suggested that while the government should issue a warning to Dosanjh regarding future collaborations with Pakistani artists, they should allow the release of the film, given that it was shot prior to the escalation of tensions. Akhtar stated, 'If he had known about the tensions, he would not have chosen a Pakistani actress. I think the government should look at the situation with a little sympathy.'

The film, directed by Amar Hundal, also features notable actors Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover, and Sapna Pabbi, and was released overseas on June 27, 2025. The controversy surrounding the film has sparked discussions about the broader implications of political tensions on cultural exchanges between India and Pakistan.

The ongoing situation serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between politics and the arts in South Asia, where the repercussions of geopolitical events often extend into the realms of entertainment and media. As the film industry grapples with these challenges, the future of cross-border collaborations remains uncertain, highlighting the need for dialogue and understanding in an increasingly polarized environment. The implications of this episode could resonate well beyond the current controversy, potentially shaping the landscape for future artistic endeavors between the two nations.