Naseeruddin Shah Defends Singer-Actor Diljit Dosanjh Amid 'Sardaar Ji 3' Row

Veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah came in support of singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh amid the ongoing controversy against him for collaborating with Pakistani artist Hania Aamir in his film Sardaar Ji 3.

Amid the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, Dosanjh's recent collaboration with Aamir is facing a massive backlash on social media, and from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees.

Shah has now said the singer wasn't responsible for the film's casting, and expressed his disapproval of restricting personal interactions between India and Pakistan.

He further expressed love for his "close friends and relatives" who reside in Pakistan.

The FWICE has boycotted Dosanjh, stating that the singer-actor's association with the Pakistani artistes has "disrespected Indian sentiments", especially following the terror attack at Pahalgam on April 22.

"It is important to bring to your notice that the said film (Border 2) features actor Diljit Dosanjh, who has been officially boycotted by FWICE owing to his involvement with individuals and content that have deeply disrespected Indian sentiments, especially by associating with Pakistani artistes known for their anti-lndia views, and participating in projects filmed in sensitive border locations like Pahalgam immediately following terror incidents targeting our armed forces," the letter read.

Earlier, through a social media post, the makers of Border 2 announced that the film has entered its third schedule at the National Defence Academy in Pune.

The film union body has requested (Union home minister) Amit Shah and (defence minister) Rajnath Singh to withdraw permission granted to the Border 2 makers for filming in its premises.

"The NDA, being a national symbol of military training and sacrifice, must not be used as a backdrop for a film involving an actor who is currently under public and professional boycott due to acts that undermine the spirit of national unity and hurt the sentiments of our defence community."

The FWICE has also issued a "noon-cooperative directive" to Dosanjh after his collaboration with Aamir. The film union body has demanded an unconditional apology from the actor for allegedly hurting "national sentiments" and disregarding the "sacrifices" of the Indian soldiers by his actions.

After the massive backlash from the film fraternity, FWICE and social media, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 have announced that they will not release their movie in India.

Border 2 is the upcoming sequel to the 1997 blockbuster Border and has a powerhouse production team, including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta. The film is being directed by Anurag Singh.

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