Actress Vaani Kapoor has spoken out in support of singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh after his film Sardaar Ji 3, co-starring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, faced criticism for its overseas release in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. While her own film Abir Gulaal, with Fawad Khan, was withheld from release due to backlash, Vaani maintains that Diljit’s decision was likely taken with practical concerns in mind.
In a recent interview with NDTV, Vaani explained, “I am assuming his film was shot before the atrocious attack, and I am assuming, as a producer, his money must have been stuck. I guess some 100 technicians were involved in making the film. The situation was different when the film was shot.”
She continued, “I don’t think he was meaning to disrespect the nation. He is a global star… He is looked up to globally. He has taken measures as per whatever he thought was suitable to him. But I don’t think any laws have been broken, right?”
Back in April, Abir Gulaal, which was set to mark Fawad Khan’s comeback to Bollywood after nearly nine years, was stopped from releasing following heightened tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack. The casting of a Pakistani actor drew criticism, and amid rising boycott calls, the film’s makers chose not to go forward with its release.
In contrast, Sardaar Ji 3 chose a different path. While the film faced similar backlash for featuring Hania Aamir, it was released overseas, including in Pakistan, skipping the Indian market entirely. The decision sparked major uproar, with some film bodies calling for a total boycott of Diljit Dosanjh. However, the actor-singer stood his ground, actively promoting the film abroad. Despite the controversy, Diljit continues to maintain his stature in the industry and did not lose his next big project, Border 2, as many had speculated.
Vaani’s calm and reasoned comments have added a fresh perspective to the ongoing debate about cross-border collaborations, especially in a politically sensitive climate. Her statement has been appreciated by fans who believe in the importance of supporting artists while being respectful of public sentiment.
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