Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has spoken out in support of Diljit Dosanjh, who is currently facing heat for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3. In a recent appearance at NDTV’s Creator’s Manch, Akhtar made a strong case against the backlash, saying there’s no point in stopping a film where no Pakistani money is even involved. He pointed out that if Sardaar Ji 3 suffers losses due to a release ban in India, it’s Indian producers and investors who will lose money, not anyone across the border.
His exact words were: “Iss mein Pakistani aadmi ka paisa toh nahi doobega, Hindustani ka paisa doobega. Toh phir kya faayda?” Akhtar also added that the film was completed before the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, and the makers decided not to release it in India out of respect for the current situation. He believes the government and censor board should show some understanding and allow the film to release, at least in cases where production was wrapped up before any political or security concerns arose.
The controversy started after Sardaar Ji 3 featured Hania Aamir, a popular Pakistani actress, in a lead role opposite Diljit. Several film bodies, including FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees), raised objections and urged the CBFC to ban the film’s release in India. As a result, the makers opted for an international-only release on June 27, 2025, sacrificing nearly half of the expected revenue. According to reports, the team took the tough call knowing fully well that India, being a huge market for Punjabi cinema, would be a big loss, but they stuck to their values and released the film abroad anyway.
This whole debate has sparked a larger conversation about whether artists should be judged based on nationality, and whether art can rise above politics. Akhtar’s calm, rational voice in the middle of this chaos has been refreshing. Instead of reacting emotionally, he reminded everyone that the goal should be to protect Indian creativity, jobs, and investments, not punish filmmakers over decisions made before any conflict began.
