Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has found support from his former manager, Sonali Singh, after facing strong criticism for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’. While some people on social media are upset with his choice, Sonali has spoken out, calling the backlash “disheartening and unfair”. She praised Diljit for always spreading “love, unity and kindness” and urged people to stop targeting him.‘Always choosing love over hate’Sonali Singh shared a long statement on her Instagram, titled ‘Always Choosing Love Over Hate’. In her post, she backed Diljit and praised him for never promoting hate or outrage. “Diljit has always promoted love, unity and kindness. He has never encouraged outrage, conflict or hatred. It is deeply disheartening and unfair to see the kind of backlash he is receiving,” she wrote.She explained that the film was made before the political tensions between India and Pakistan got worse.Film was shot before tensions roseDiljit Dosanjh also spoke up in an interview with BBC Asian Network. He said the film was made when everything was calm, and no one expected the current situation. “Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation sab theek tha. We shot this in Feb and then everything was fine. Uske baad, bhut saari badi cheezen humare haath mein nahi hai. Toh producers ne decide kiya ki film obviously ab India toh nahi lagegi, toh overseas release karte hain. Toh producers ka bahut paisa laga hua hai aur jab yeh film bann rahi thi tab aisa kuch tha nahi.”He added, “Now the situation is not in our hands. So if the producers want to release it abroad, I support them.”Respecting public sentimentSonali also praised Diljit for not releasing ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ in India. She said he has shown great respect for the mood of the country. “Diljit has chosen to respect the sentiments of the Indian public and authorities. He is not releasing the film in India, standing in alignment with the nation’s current mood, showing once again that he honours the decisions of his own country even at a personal and professional cost,” she said. She reminded everyone that the film is not supported by a big production house, and boycotting it could cause big losses for the team.‘We forget too quickly’In her statement, Sonali expressed sadness that Diljit is being targeted despite always carrying India in his heart. “His own country, how quickly we forget. Diljit proudly carries India with him everywhere — in spirit, through his art, and his love. He is an ambassador of India, not through propaganda but through spirit,” she wrote. She ended her note with a powerful message: “This cycle must end.”Overseas release onlyDirected by Amar Hundal, ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ will only be released overseas on 27 June. It will not hit cinema screens in India.
