Punjabi singer & actor Diljit Dosanjh has been facing criticism from left, right, and center for doing a movie with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir will be seen in the upcoming movie Sardaar Ji 3. Due to the presence of Hania Aamir in the movie, the makers of the movie are releasing it overseas and not in India. Despite this, multiple film bodies, including FWICE, have demanded to ban and a boycott of Diljit Dosanjh in India and other Indian movies, including Border 2 which he has been a part. Amid growing outrage against Diljit, his former manager Sonali Singh came out in support of the Punjabi singer and penned a long note slamming the critics and reminding people of what he has done for India on the international stage. Below is what Sonali Singh wrote-
"In a career spanning over two decades, Diljit Dosanjh has become a cultural icon not only for India but for the global stage. Yet, time and again, he has been placed under the scanner especially as a proud Sikh, a Punjabi, and an artist who has chosen to represent India with quiet pride rather than loud declarations.
Despite being repeatedly targeted, Diljit has never resorted to outrage. His consistent message in interviews, music, films, and public appearances has always been rooted in love, unity, and kindness. This recent wave of criticism surrounding his upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji, due to the presence of a Pakistani co-star, is both disheartening and unfair especially considering the timing and the nature of the project. The film was shot long before the current political climate intensified.
This is yet another project where innocent families of the producers are involved—created and funded with personal life savings, and made to uplift the regional film industry. To attempt to derail this release now is to undermine not just one actor, but an entire creative ecosystem. It’s not a film backed by a giant corporate house that can absorb the blow of massive losses. It’s someone’s life’s earnings and it’s at risk of being wiped out entirely.
Even while fighting other battles including a film that has been delayed for over two years despite no controversial co-actors
'Diljit has chosen to respect the sentiments of the Indian public'
"And yet in the face of it all Diljit has chosen to respect the sentiments of the Indian public and authorities. He is not releasing the film in India, standing in alignment with the nation’s current mood, showing once again that he honours the decisions of his own country even at a personal and professional cost. Yes, this decision will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the business of the film but Diljit isn’t thinking of himself. All he’s trying to do is mitigate the losses as much as he can for the producers, for the crew, for the families whose livelihoods are tied to this film while still balancing the emotions and respect this country deserves.
This isn’t easy. But it’s what he believes is right. And like always, he’s choosing love. He’s choosing others over himself. Again.
What hurts the most is this:
On one hand, the global media celebrates him as the first Indian to perform at Coachella, to appear on Jimmy Fallon carrying his Traditional Identity, to walk the Met Gala carrying his culture & roots. And every single time, he proudly carries India with him.
But on the other hand, in his own country how quickly we forget. How conveniently we celebrate him when he puts India on the map, and how easily we trash him when the narrative turns.
Does anyone think this doesn’t break his heart? Does anyone imagine how demoralising it is to fight for visibility as a brown Indian artist on the world stage and still have to fight for belonging in India?
Where does someone like him belong, then?
And maybe we need to ask ourselves
Is it because he wears a turban? Because he is not Hindu?
Is that why he is asked, again and again, to prove his patriotism while others are simply assumed to be loyal?
It hurts.
Because despite giving everything to his country — his art, his pride, his voice, his platform — he is still seen as “the other” when it matters most.
But he doesn’t say it.
He simply carries on choosing love."
'PM Modi called Diljit Bharat ke gaon ka beta'
"Diljit is the same man who:
Was addressed by the Honourable Prime Minister as “Bharat ke gaon ka beta”, a recognition of what he truly represents.
Cancelled a major U.S. show overnight when FWICE requested, knowing it would cost him crores and invite a two-year legal battle in a foreign country. He handled it all silently and respectfully, without retaliation. The damage was personal and he bore it alone.
Chose to stand by his producers not to protect himself, but to protect the families behind the film. These weren’t giant corporations. These were people from his own country who had poured their lifetime’s savings and dreams into Sardaar Ji. Despite the backlash he’s facing, Diljit chose to shoulder the burden with them, not leaving them to take the fall alone. He stood in solidarity not for profit, but for people.
And let’s not forget he is already standing beside another producer, who has been fighting for two years to release a film that has no Pakistani cast member — a deeply important story: Jaswant Singh Khalra, A film based on a real-life human rights hero, depicting documented truths already acknowledged and upheld by Indian law. The facts shown in the film are not speculation — they are part of public record. This is a case that has been in the courts, covered in the media, and known to the nation. And yet, that film too has struggled to see the light of day.
Showcases the beauty of Indian culture to his global audience, consistently pushing back against narratives of poverty and despair.
Carries the Indian flag on his shoulders, proudly, as he leads the wave that’s transforming India’s live entertainment economy with authenticity, humility, and unmatched pride.
Helped lift regional cinema — especially Punjabi — onto the global map. And now, that same man is being dragged down by a manufactured storm.
In every sense, Diljit Dosanjh has been an ambassador of India not through propaganda, but through spirit, his art, his love.
And yet, each time, he’s asked to prove the love he’s already shown so consistently.
This cycle must end.
Let us stop punishing our artists for being human first. All he has ever spoken is love."