Singer Mika Singh has seemingly taken a sharp swipe at Diljit Dosanjh amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The backlash comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives.Without directly naming Diljit, Mika posted a fiery message on his Instagram Stories titled “Desh Pehle”, urging Indian artists to put the country above personal and professional interests. “Guys, as we all know, the relationship between India and Pakistan isn’t going well right now. Yet some people continue to act irresponsibly,” he wrote.“A fake singer who did 10 shows in India has now disappeared”In his post, Mika criticized unnamed individuals for collaborating with artists across the border. “Before releasing any content that involves artists from across the border, they should think twice — especially when our nation’s dignity is involved,” he said. He also referred to a recent controversy around a film featuring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor that faced opposition.However, the sharpest part of his statement read: “What’s more shocking is that a fake singer, after doing 10 shows in India with thousands of fans buying tickets, has now disappeared — leaving fans betrayed and helpless.” Though Mika didn’t drop any names, his words, paired with a photo of both himself and Diljit, strongly pointed toward Dosanjh, who has been touring internationally.
FWICE demands boycott of Sardaar Ji 3The controversy began after the trailer for Sardaar Ji 3 dropped, prompting the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to call for a boycott. Their objection stems from the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, which they say is disrespectful to Indian sentiments during a sensitive time.FWICE President BN Tiwari told Hindustan Times, “By working with a Pakistani actor, Diljit has hurt Indian sentiments. He has disrespected the sentiments of the nation and insulted the sacrifice of our brave soldiers. His preference for Pakistani talent over Indian artists raises serious questions about his loyalty and priorities.”
Diljit Dosanjh responds: “The film was shot before tensions escalated”Responding to the growing backlash, Diljit Dosanjh clarified in an interview with BBC Asian Network that Sardaar Ji 3 was filmed earlier this year, before the political climate worsened. “Jab yeh film bani thi tab situation sab theek tha… Now the situation is not in our hands. So if the producers want to release it abroad, I support them,” he said.Despite his clarification, the controversy shows no signs of settling. The film’s producers have now opted to skip an Indian theatrical release, announcing a worldwide release on June 27 instead.Directed by Amarjit Singh Saron, Sardaar Ji 3 continues the popular franchise with Diljit reprising his role as the quirky ghost-hunter. He stars alongside Hania Aamir, Neeru Bajwa, Manav Vij, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, and Sapna Pabbi.
