Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has voiced strong support for Diljit Dosanjh amidst the “Sardaar Ji 3” controversy, sharing personal family history to underscore his unwavering faith in India.
Naseeruddin Shah Stands Firm
The acclaimed actor recently penned an opinion piece for The Indian Express, elaborating on his initial Facebook post that supported Diljit Dosanjh. Shah revealed that his earlier post, which expressed solidarity with Diljit, was reportedly removed by the social media platform.
He asserted his right to speak his truth, stating, “I feel no need to wear my love for anything, including the country, on my sleeve.” This statement highlights his belief in genuine patriotism over performative displays.
A Deep-Rooted Faith in India’s Future
Shah delved into his family’s history to explain his profound connection to India. He shared that he was born in India into the fifth generation of a Muslim family, while his wife comes from an even older Hindu lineage.
Crucially, he revealed that his father chose to remain in India when his brothers migrated to Pakistan. “He was certain India had a future for us just as I feel it does for my offspring,” Shah wrote, emphasizing a dream he believes cannot be abandoned.
Industry Silence and Defiant Response
Despite facing backlash for his stance, Naseeruddin Shah remains unfazed. He candidly acknowledged the lack of support from within the film industry, stating, “I wasn’t expecting any — they all either have too much to lose or they disagree.”
In his deleted Facebook post, Shah directly addressed those who advocate for him to “Go to Pakistan.” He defiantly responded, “GO TO KAILASA,” affirming his right to connect with relatives and friends across the border.
The ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Controversy
The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh stems from the global release of his film “Sardaar Ji 3,” which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The movie is being released worldwide but not in India.
This decision, made by the film’s producers (including Diljit), has reignited the debate over the informal ban on Pakistani artists in the Indian film industry. This ban has largely been in place since the Pahalgam attack.
Diljit’s Future Projects
Amidst the ongoing discussions, there was speculation about Diljit Dosanjh being removed from upcoming projects, notably “Border 2.” However, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has since permitted producer Bhushan Kumar (T-Series) to complete the remaining shoot with the actor.
Despite this, Bhushan Kumar has publicly stated that he will not collaborate with Dosanjh on future productions, reflecting the continued tensions within the industry regarding such collaborations.
- Naseeruddin Shah strongly supports Diljit Dosanjh and criticizes “performative patriotism.”
- Shah’s family chose to stay in India, emphasizing his deep-rooted faith in the nation’s future.
- He acknowledges the lack of industry support but remains resolute in his views.
- The “Sardaar Ji 3” controversy highlights the ongoing debate over the informal ban on Pakistani artists in India.
The veteran actor’s voice adds a significant perspective to the ongoing dialogue about nationalism, artistic freedom, and cross-border collaborations in the Indian entertainment industry.
