The veteran actor had earlier defended Diljit Dosanjh against criticism for working with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, but later deleted his Facebook post, sparking online reactions.
Veteran Actor Deletes Post Backing Diljit Dosanjh, Sparks Online Reactions
Veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah has drawn attention after deleting a Facebook post in which he expressed support for Diljit Dosanjh, who has faced criticism over his collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3.
The move triggered a wave of backlash on social media, with many users accusing Shah of backing down under public pressure.
What Happened?
- On Monday, Shah shared a lengthy post defending Diljit Dosanjh amid rising criticism of the singer-actor’s involvement in Sardaar Ji 3.
- The controversy stems from Dosanjh’s co-starring with Hania Aamir, a popular actress from Pakistan, which some users saw as controversial given the strained relations between the two countries.
- Shah argued that Diljit was not responsible for the film’s casting decisions, and suggested the criticism was politically motivated.
Key Points from Shah’s Now-Deleted Post:
“I stand firmly with Diljit. The dirty tricks deptt of Jumla Party has been awaiting a chance to attack him. They think they’ve got it at last. He was not responsible for the casting of the film, the director was…”
“What these goons want is to put an end to personal interaction between the people of India and Pakistan… And my response to those who say ‘Go to Pakistan’ is ‘Go to Kailasa.’”
The post made strong political and religious undertones, which may have contributed to the backlash that followed.
Social Media Reactions
Soon after the post was deleted, several users on X (formerly Twitter) criticized the actor:
- One user wrote, “So, Naseeruddin Shah has deleted his post. But he has deleted it only from social media, not from his mind.”
- Another user commented, “Yaad aa gaya hoga ki paisa kamane kahan jaayega.”
- Some users called him “fattu” (coward), accusing him of stepping back once pressure mounted.
The hashtag #NaseeruddinShah began trending as netizens continued to discuss the issue.
Celebrities React to the Controversy
The debate over Sardaar Ji 3 has divided public opinion:
- Imtiaz Ali, who directed Diljit in Amar Singh Chamkila, recently defended him, calling the artist authentic and genuine.
- On the other hand, television actress Rupali Ganguly expressed her disagreement with Dosanjh’s decision to work with a Pakistani artist, aligning with critics.
The controversy began when the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir alongside Indian star Diljit Dosanjh was announced. A section of the audience and political commentators accused the project of promoting cross-border ties inappropriately, especially at a time of heightened tensions.
Despite this, many believe that art should not be confined by borders, and that personal and cultural exchanges through film and music should be encouraged.
While Naseeruddin Shah’s deletion of his Facebook post has led to criticism, it also reflects the challenges faced by public figures who speak on politically sensitive issues. The debate over Sardaar Ji 3 continues, with both support and opposition pouring in from fans, celebrities, and the general public.