BJP defends actor Diljit Dosanjh in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ row, slams citizenship threat as ‘irrational and unjustified’

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come out firmly in support of acclaimed singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, denouncing calls for revoking his Indian citizenship over his new film Sardaar Ji 3 as “irrational” and “shockingly disproportionate.”

The controversy erupted after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) demanded strict action against Dosanjh for starring opposite Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in the film, which was shot before the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The FWICE also petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for cancelation of Dosanjh’s citizenship.

Rejecting the demand, BJP national spokesperson R.P. Singh defended the artist in a series of posts on X, describing him as “not just a celebrated artist… but a national asset and a global ambassador of Indian culture.”

“Let’s not cheapen nationalism or weaponize patriotism,” Singh wrote. “FWICE’s call to revoke his citizenship over an inadvertent and pre-incident film shoot is not only unfair but shockingly disproportionate. The film was shot well before the attack — this context matters.”

He also questioned the double standards being applied to Dosanjh, noting, “Just days before the Pahalgam incident, the Indian cricket team played Pakistan. Did FWICE object then? News channels routinely invite Pakistani guests — should those anchors surrender their citizenship too?”

The film, Sardaar Ji 3, was released overseas on June 27 but was withheld in India out of respect following the Pahalgam attack. Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu explained the decision was made to avoid hurting public sentiment, though it could impact nearly 40 percent of the film’s expected revenue.

Sidhu also condemned the alleged past remarks made by Pakistani actress Hania Aamir against India’s Operation Sindoor — a military strike on terror camps in Pakistan — but clarified that the film’s shoot occurred prior to both the remarks and the recent terror incident.

In Punjab, the BJP’s state Culture Cell Convenor and noted Punjabi actor Hobby Dhaliwal held a press conference in Chandigarh to reiterate party support for Dosanjh.

“Diljit is not just an actor — he’s a global face of Punjab and a proud son of this soil,” Dhaliwal said. “The attempt to vilify him in the name of patriotism is deeply unfortunate and politically motivated.”

He emphasized that the film’s shoot was entirely legal and involved multiple actors. “To isolate one artist and question his patriotism is not just unjustified, it’s dangerous,” he added.

Urging restraint and perspective, the BJP leaders collectively warned against turning nationalism into a tool to target creative voices.

“India’s cultural strength lies in its diversity and talent. Diljit represents that strength — and the nation stands with him,” said Dhaliwal.