Naseeruddin Shah supports Diljit Dosanjh, amidst controversy related to Sardarji 3, says, ‘his father refused to go to Pakistan, when his brothers left’

As controversy continues to surround Diljit Dosanjh and the global release of his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has stepped forward in his support. Earlier, Naseeruddin had posted a message on Facebook supporting Diljit, a post that he claims was taken down by the social media platform.

Now, in an opinion piece with The Indian Express, he has put forth some of his views and offered personal context as well, addressing the backlash.

“I feel no need to wear my love for anything, including the country, on my sleeve,” Naseeruddin wrote, asserting his right to speak his truth without performative patriotism. He went on to share details about his family’s legacy and their enduring faith in India’s future. “I was born in India into the fifth generation of a Muslim family, my wife into an even older Hindu one and we hope our children can be a combination of the best of both. My father refused to go to Pakistan when his brothers left, he was certain India had a future for us just as I feel it does for my offspring. This is a dream that cannot be abandoned.” He also addressed the criticism he faced while supporting Diljit and the lack of support within the film industry.

“I wasn’t expecting any — they all either have too much to lose or they disagree,” he wrote candidly. Despite the social media backlash, he remains firm in his stance. In the Facebook post, Naseeruddin had written: “What these goons want is to put an end to personal interaction between the people of India and Pakistan. I have close relatives and some dear friends there and no one can stop me from meeting them or sending them love whenever I feel like it.

And my response to those who will say ‘Go to Pakistan’ is ‘GO TO KAILASA’.”

His comments supporting Diljit comes amidst the rising tensions in the Indian Film Industry regarding the participation of Pakistani actors. With the exception of India, Sardaar Ji 3, which stars Diljit and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, is being released worldwide. The producers of the movie, Diljit among them, made the decision, which sparked discussion about the unofficial ban on Pakistani talent in the wake of the Pahalgam incident. Concurrently, there was growing speculation that Diljit would be dropped from future projects, such as Border 2. After careful consideration, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has permitted T-Series producer Bhushan Kumar to finish the remaining filming with the actor, despite Bhushan's public declaration that he will not collaborate with Dosanjh on any upcoming projects.