Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 24: Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh has once again stirred social media with a cryptic Instagram post that read, “Censored before release?” The brief message has fuelled speculation and discussions across the entertainment industry, especially at a time when the singer-actor is facing mounting backlash for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3.
While Diljit did not clarify what the message referred to, many believe it points to the long-delayed release of Punjab 95, a biographical drama based on the life of noted human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The film, which highlights the alleged extra-judicial killings of Sikh youth during the 1990s, had earlier run into trouble with the Censor Board, which demanded over 120 cuts. The move was strongly opposed by Khalra’s widow, Paramjit Kaur Khalra, who asserted that the film was made with the family's consent and should be released without alterations. In January, Diljit and the film’s producers had announced that the film’s release had been postponed due to “circumstances beyond our control.” With his latest post, Diljit has reignited public curiosity over the film’s fate and raised fresh concerns over censorship and artistic freedom.
Amid the ongoing controversy, Diljit’s much-awaited Punjabi franchise film Sardaar Ji 3 has also become a talking point. Interestingly, the movie will not release in Indian theatres and is instead set to premiere overseas on June 27. The decision follows a wave of criticism over the inclusion of Hania Aamir in the lead cast. Following recent tensions between India and Pakistan, including the Pahalgam terror attack, several Pakistani celebrities, including Hania, saw their social media handles restricted in India. The backlash intensified after Hania was accused of making anti-India remarks post-Operation Sindoor, leading to outrage among sections of Indian netizens and cinema organisations.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has also spoken out against the decision to work with Pakistani talent, reiterating their long-standing opposition to cross-border collaborations in cinema during sensitive times. Many on social media have voiced disappointment with Diljit, questioning the timing and rationale behind casting a Pakistani actress while the political climate remains tense.
Despite the backlash, Diljit has previously expressed his belief in the power of music and art to transcend borders. In a conversation with Recording Academy President Panos A. Panay, he had said that while governments may be in conflict, music can unite people across nations. He had also spoken about viewing the Earth as one family, stating that humans are here only for a brief time and should not waste that time in hatred and division.
As the storm brews over both Punjab 95 and Sardaar Ji 3, Diljit Dosanjh finds himself in a delicate position — balancing between artistic expression, political sensitivities, and the expectations of a deeply divided audience. Whether his cryptic post was a subtle protest or a reflection of creative frustration, it has certainly struck a chord and reignited discussions on censorship, nationalism, and the role of artists in turbulent times.