On June 25, 2025, singer-rapper Mika Singh released a pointed Instagram statement titled “Desh Pehle” (“Nation First”), where he indirectly targeted Bollywood and Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh. Although Mika did not name him outright, the attached image of Diljit left no doubt about the subject of his criticism.
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Mika’s post expressed disappointment over Diljit’s decision to continue promoting Sardaar Ji 3—a Punjabi film featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir—despite deteriorated India-Pakistan relations following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
“Before releasing any content that involves artists from across the border, they should think twice—especially when our nation’s dignity is involved,” he wrote, accusing Diljit of acting “irresponsibly”.
The singer also referenced the earlier film Abir Gulaal (starring Pakistani Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor), whose release in India faced stiff opposition. Taking a sharp turn, Mika labeled Diljit a “fake singer,” accusing him of playing ten Indian shows to packed audiences—and then vanishing, leaving fans “betrayed and helpless”.
Context: Tensions spill into entertainment
India-Pakistan relations have remained fraught since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives. In retaliation, India launched a military operation named “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting militant hideouts. The resulting backlash reshaped public sentiment, prompting Indian film bodies, including the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), to demand bans on collaborations with Pakistani artists.
This nationalistic fervor has now enveloped Sardaar Ji 3, which includes Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The film’s trailer, released on June 22, confirmed her casting and triggered widespread backlash. In response to the backlash, producers decided to release the film only overseas, excluding India.
Diljit Dosanjh breaks the silence
Diljit Dosanjh addressed the controversy on June 24, maintaining that the film was shot in February—well before diplomatic relations soured—and that the casting decision was made under normal circumstances. He expressed disappointment over the current climate but stated he must support the producers’ overseas release plan, despite the film facing a guaranteed financial loss in the Indian market.
He also responded cryptically to backlash with an Instagram post asking, “Censored before release?”, which many believe references the earlier censorship issues surrounding his film Punjab 95.
Backlash & calls for boycott
The trailer’s release sparked intense online backlash. Social media users labeled Diljit an “opportunist” and even demanded that he be removed from Border 2—a patriotic film he was slated to appear in.
On Reddit, users expressed outrage:
“He is a major traitor for casting Hania Aamir, fully aware of her stance and loyalty.”
“Along with boycotting Pakistani artists, we should start the petition to boycott Diljit and get him removed from Border 2.”
In solidarity, singer B Praak shared a suggestive social media post implying that some artists had “sold their conscience,” widely interpreted as a veiled critique of Diljit.
Meanwhile, others defended Diljit, arguing the project predated the crisis:
“When he was making this movie how would he know that relations would get bad b/w India and Pakistan,” and “One Hania Aamir can’t erase all the hard work of Indian actors,” countered supportive fans.
Industry response: Film body weighs in
FWICE formally requested the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny approval for Sardaar Ji 3 in India, noting it featured Pakistani talent. Mirroring previous decisions on similar projects, filmmakers and producers have shown deference to these regulatory and societal pressures.
Diljit’s producers, including Gunbir Singh Sidhu, stated the film was completed before tensions escalated, and the decision to release it overseas was made in sympathy with national sentiment.
Global recognition amid controversy
In an interesting twist, the controversy has brought Diljit international recognition. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in Canada has announced a groundbreaking academic course—launching late 2026—dedicated to studying his cultural and musical impact, marking the first such program focused on a Punjabi artist.
This highlights the duality of Diljit’s current position: while facing national scrutiny in India, he’s simultaneously being elevated as a cultural icon overseas.
Final Take
This controversy reveals deep tensions between art and nationalism. Mika Singh’s forceful call—labeling Diljit Dosanjh a “fake singer” and claiming betrayal—speaks to the emotional intensity defining today’s audience. On the other side, Diljit’s defense that Sardaar Ji 3 was completed without ill intent—and his academic accolade—underscore the complex realm artists navigate when geopolitics intersects with creativity.
As Sardaar Ji 3 premieres overseas this June 27, the debate is unlikely to fade. Will it redefine how filmmakers collaborate across borders? Or deepen divides between nationalist expectations and artistic freedom? The answer will unfold in the weeks ahead.
By – Sonali