Naseeruddin Shah Shares Cryptic Message After Deleting Support Post for Diljit Dosanjh Amid 'Sardaar Ji 3' Backlash
Mumbai, July 3 — Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has stirred conversations once again after deleting a social media post where he expressed support for singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, who has recently faced online backlash for collaborating with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3.
The 74-year-old actor, known for his bold stances and outspoken voice on socio-political issues, has now posted a thought-provoking quote about truth and public backlash, without directly naming the incident.
The Cryptic Message That Sparked Conversations
Taking to his official Facebook handle, Shah shared a quote by German scientist and philosopher Georg Christoph Lichtenberg:
“It is almost impossible to carry the torch of truth through a crowd without singeing somebody's beard.”
— Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1 Jul 1742 – 1799)
Though subtle, the quote comes just hours after Shah deleted his original post that had strongly defended Diljit Dosanjh and criticized the political and religious outrage surrounding the casting of a Pakistani actress in the Indo-Punjabi film.
What Did Naseeruddin Shah Say in the Deleted Post?
In the now-deleted message, Naseeruddin Shah had written:
“I stand firmly with Diljit. The dirty tricks department of the 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. But no one knows who the director is, whereas Diljit is known the world over, and he agreed to the cast because his mind is not poisoned.”
Shah also touched upon India-Pakistan people-to-people relations, adding:
“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.”
In a particularly fiery closing line, Shah addressed those who often respond with the jibe “Go to Pakistan” by quipping:
“And my response to those who will say ‘Go to Pakistan’ is — Go to Kailasa.”
(Note: Kailasa refers to the self-proclaimed micronation founded by controversial Indian fugitive Nithyananda.)
Why Was the Post Deleted?
Though Shah did not explicitly explain why he took down the post, sources and social media speculation point toward pressure and criticism that may have come his way from various quarters.
Shortly after the original message went viral, several users on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook questioned Shah's stance and called him out for “politicizing” the casting issue. Others criticized him for removing the post within 24 hours, calling the deletion “a retreat under pressure.”
“Why speak up if you’re going to back down the next day?” one user wrote.
“He should have stood by his words,” commented another.
Context: The Diljit Dosanjh-Hania Aamir Controversy
The controversy stems from the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir opposite Diljit Dosanjh in the film Sardaar Ji 3. A section of online users and right-wing trolls accused Diljit of “undermining national sentiment” by working with a Pakistani actor, even though cross-border collaborations in the entertainment industry are not uncommon.
Critics claimed it was “insensitive” given ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. Others, however, defended Diljit, emphasizing that artists must be free to collaborate regardless of national boundaries.
A Pattern of Political Outspokenness
This incident is not the first time Naseeruddin Shah has spoken on sensitive issues. From condemning religious intolerance to calling out Bollywood’s silence on political matters, Shah has never shied away from controversy.
But unlike previous instances, his decision to delete this particular post has sparked mixed reactions — with some admiring his courage and others questioning the follow-through.
Reader Takeaway
Naseeruddin Shah’s cryptic quote has reopened conversations about freedom of expression, artistic independence, and the increasing politicization of cinema in India. While his original message supporting Diljit Dosanjh may no longer be available, the quote he shared afterward carries an even more powerful undertone — that speaking the truth in public always comes at a cost.
As tensions between creativity and nationalism continue to escalate, the incident highlights the tightrope walk public figures must navigate when they choose to voice dissent.
Streaming Note: Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir, is set for release later this year.