The ongoing controversy surrounding the release of Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, has taken a sharp turn with veteran playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya voicing his strong opinion on the matter. Known for his outspoken views and patriotic stance, Abhijeet did not hold back as he slammed Diljit Dosanjh amid the rising tension over the film’s alleged political implications and cross-border sensitivities.
In a bold and fiery statement, Abhijeet expressed disappointment over what he perceived as ambiguous nationalism on Diljit’s part. “Hindustan hamare baap ka hai,” the singer declared during a recent media interaction. “We owe our everything to this country — our culture, our careers, our identity. If you enjoy the love and success given by this land, then you better not stay silent when its integrity is questioned.”
The comment comes in the wake of Sardaar Ji 3 allegedly skipping a theatrical release in India, reportedly due to political friction involving the film’s Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and rising concerns over content that some critics say could be “soft propaganda.” Although no official ban has been placed, the film’s absence from Indian cinemas has raised eyebrows, sparking a heated debate across social media and within entertainment circles.
Abhijeet, never one to mince words, seemed especially agitated by what he viewed as Diljit Dosanjh’s lack of clarity or response regarding the film’s distribution status in India. “You can’t ride two boats at once,” he said. “When you’re an Indian star and a global icon, you also carry the responsibility of being answerable to the people who made you what you are. Silence, in matters of national interest, is not golden — it is dangerous.”
The playback singer, who has lent his voice to countless Bollywood blockbusters over the decades, has been an outspoken figure when it comes to patriotic issues. He believes that public figures, especially those with massive youth followings, must take clear stands when it comes to matters involving national sentiment.
“People today are confused because celebrities have become diplomatic puppets. It’s become fashionable to play neutral — to avoid taking sides. But when you represent India on international platforms, that neutrality is a form of betrayal,” Abhijeet added.
While Diljit has not directly responded to the backlash, sources close to the production of Sardaar Ji 3 claim that the decision to limit the film’s release was a strategic one and had nothing to do with political motivations. Still, this hasn’t stopped critics from demanding transparency.
Abhijeet’s remarks, however, have ignited their own round of controversy. While some praised him for his candidness and unapologetic patriotism, others criticized the tone of his comments, calling them unnecessarily provocative. Social media users are currently split, with hashtags supporting both Diljit and Abhijeet trending online.
Political analysts suggest that the flare-up around Sardaar Ji 3 is part of a larger discourse about how Indian entertainers engage with sensitive geopolitical issues, especially in the current climate of heightened nationalism. Diljit’s growing international collaborations, including those with artists from Pakistan and Canada, have frequently come under scrutiny, and this latest controversy only adds fuel to the fire.
Abhijeet, meanwhile, remains steadfast. “We’re not against creativity or cross-cultural exchange,” he said in his closing remarks. “But don’t forget the soil that gave you wings. Don’t forget Hindustan. It’s not just a country — it’s our soul. And we won’t let anyone disrespect it.”
As the Sardaar Ji 3 debate continues to make headlines, one thing is clear: the intersection of cinema, politics, and national identity in India remains as charged as ever. Whether Diljit Dosanjh chooses to address these criticisms directly remains to be seen, but Abhijeet Bhattacharya has certainly added a new, controversial layer to the unfolding drama.
