Punjabi singer says 'I respect their work'; FWICE requested PM Modi to cancel his passport and citizenship
Diljit Dosanjh has become embroiled in controversy due to the film Sardaar Ji 3, in which he appears alongside Pakistani actress Hania Amir. As soon as the film's trailer released on June 23, people showed . Now Diljit's first reaction to working with Hania has come forward. He has said that he respects Hania Amir's work. On the other hand, Mika Singh has criticised Diljit Dosanjh for working with the Pakistani actress.
Also, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has demanded to ban Diljit Dosanjh, producer Guneet Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu, and director Amar Hundal from the industry, calling them "traitors."
FWICE has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to seize the passports of these four and revoke their Indian citizenship.
Diljit Dosanjh says 'When I signed the film, the situation was fine'
Amid controversies, Diljit Dosanjh's statement given to BBC Asian Network has, where he gave his first reaction about working with Hania Amir and not releasing the film in India. He said, 'When this film was made, the situation was fine. When we shot in February, conditions were okay. Many things are not in our hands. The producers decided that as the film won't release in India, let's release it overseas. They had in mind that there would be losses since they're removing one territory.'
Further, Diljit said, 'When I signed the film, everything was fine. Now the situation is not in our hands. If they want to release it abroad, I am with them.'
On working with Hania Amir, Diljit said, 'She is very professional. When we were working, there wasn't much time. I respect her work a lot. I always respect everyone's privacy. I am very private myself, so I give space to others. Especially to girls. Our conversations were straight to the point.'
Mika Singh posted on his official Instagram, 'Friends, country comes first, as we all know that relations between India and Pakistan are not good at present. Despite this, some people are behaving carelessly. They should think twice before working with any artist from across the border, especially when it concerns our country's dignity.'
Further Mika Singh wrote, 'There was a film starring Fawad Khan (Pakistani actor) and Vaani Kapoor, we all protested against it together. But it seems some people still haven't learned their lesson. The most shocking thing is that a fake singer who did 10 shows in India, where thousands of fans bought tickets, has now disappeared. He deceived the fans and left them helpless.'
Federation demands cancellation of Diljit's citizenship
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has demanded to ban Diljit Dosanjh, producer Gunir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu, and director Amar Hundal from the industry, calling them traitors. FWICE has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav to seize their passports and revoke their Indian citizenship.
The organisation says that these people have not only insulted the country's sentiments but have also openly violated the ban imposed on Pakistani artists.
FWICE said that Hania Amir is not just a foreign artist, but she is known for promoting anti-India views. She has mocked the Indian Army on social media and has tried to justify Pakistan's terrorist attacks.
Hania Amir mocked Indian Army - FWICE
FWICE alleged that Diljit and his team were fully aware of this ban and Hania Amir's background, yet they cast her. This clearly shows that their loyalty is not with India.
FWICE said that they had demanded from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Censor Board that the film's release in India should be completely banned and it should not be given a certificate. The authorities respected their words and the sentiments of millions of Indians and have not permitted this film to release in India.
Working with Pakistani artists is equivalent to treason - FWICE
FWICE has warned that any Indian filmmaker or artist who works with Pakistani citizens will be considered equivalent to treason. Additionally, all OTT platforms, producers' associations, distributors, and exhibitors have been urged to sever all ties with these four individuals.
Amid controversies, Diljit shared a cryptic post about censorship, saying that the fight is just beginning. Diljit also mentioned his previous controversial film Punjab 95, which has not been released yet due to objections from the censor board.
Diljit Dosanjh shared a post on his official Instagram story section, which reads - 'Censored before release. I have seen Punjab 95 (film), now perhaps the real fight is about to begin.'
Let us tell you that on June 23, Diljit Dosanjh shared the trailer of film Sardaar Ji-3, in which Pakistani actress Hania Amir appears in the lead role alongside him. As soon as the trailer released, Diljit is being accused of treason. Actually, since the Pahalgam terror attack, all Pakistani artists have been completely banned in India. FWICE had announced at that time that if any Indian works with Pakistani artists, it would be considered treason.
Sardaar Ji-3 makers clarify - Film was shot before controversy
Film Sardaar Ji-3's producer Gunbir Singh Sandhu has clarified on this matter as the controversy grew. In an interview given to India Today, he said - 'This film was shot before the conflict with Pakistan. Keeping in mind the sentiments of Indians, it is not being released in India.'