Diljit Dosanjh mocks India-Pakistan cricket match while clearing air on Sardaarji 3 row with Hania Aamir

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his film Sardaarji 3, the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, and his appearance at the India-Pakistan cricket match. Speaking during his concert in Malaysia, the Punjabi star clarified the timeline and expressed his anguish over the criticism he has faced in recent months.

“That’s my country’s flag”

Videos from the concert, now going viral, show Diljit saluting the Indian Tricolour before addressing the audience. He said in Punjabi, “Woh mere desh da jhanda hai (That’s my country’s flag). Always respect.” Seeking permission from his fans, he continued, “When my film Sardaarji 3 was shot in February, cricket matches were being played at that time.”

Setting the timeline straight

Diljit spoke with deep sorrow about the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April, which killed 26 people, most of them tourists. He said, “After that, the tragic Pahalgam attack happened. Even then, and now, we have always prayed that terrorists should be punished strictly. The difference is, my film was shot before the attack, and the match took place after the attack.”


He further added that national media outlets had attempted to paint him as “anti-national,” a label he firmly rejected. “Punjabis and the Sikh community could never go against the nation,” he said, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

Choosing silence over negativity

Reflecting on his decision not to react earlier, Diljit said, “I have many answers, but I kept everything inside me. Whoever says anything, you shouldn’t take that poison inside you. I have learnt that from life. So I didn’t speak. There is a lot more I could say, but I don’t want to.”

The row over casting

The controversy first erupted earlier this year when Diljit cast Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in Sardaarji 3, despite ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The film, also starring Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover and Sapna Pabbi, was directed by Amar Hundal and released overseas on 27 June.

By saluting the national flag on stage and clarifying his stance, Diljit Dosanjh appeared to put to rest months of speculation, choosing dignity and silence over conflict.

Inputs from agencies