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In the world of showbiz, art often walks a tightrope between expression and politics. That fine line is currently under scrutiny as Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh faces backlash over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3. The film, which has been geo-blocked in India and will now only release overseas on June 27, has ignited both patriotic sentiment and industry criticism, the loudest being from singer Mika Singh, who has called Diljit a “fake singer” in a now-viral Instagram Story.

While Mika did not directly refer to Diljit, he left everyone guessing little. His tweet was a photomontage of himself and Diljit, which obviously made his target clear. The essence of Mika’s outrage is that he feels there has been a betrayal of national sentiments, particularly after the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

In his post, Mika Singh wrote, “Desh Pehle (Nation First). Guys, as we all know, the relationship between India and Pakistan isn’t going well right now. Yet some people continue to act irresponsibly.”

He continued, “Before releasing any content that involves artists from across the border, they should think twice—especially when our nation’s dignity is involved.” Mika cited the case of Fawad Khan’s unreleased film Abir Gulaal, which couldn’t be screened in India due to similar tensions. In his words, “What’s more shocking is that a fake singer, after doing 10 shows in India with thousands of fans buying tickets, has now disappeared, leaving fans betrayed and helpless.” This was a direct reference to Diljit’s Dil-Luminati World Tour, which saw packed venues and widespread appreciation.

When the teaser for Sardaar Ji 3 dropped earlier, there was no sign of Hania Aamir. Her appearance was officially confirmed only after the trailer’s release on June 22, and soon, the trailer was geo-blocked in India. Given that Pakistani artists are banned from working on Indian projects as per film body guidelines, this development led to significant outrage online.

Adding fuel to the fire is Hania Aamir’s alleged statement about Operation Sindoor being a “cowardly” act, which deeply offended Indian audiences. The timing of the film’s overseas release in the aftermath of a terror incident was, for many, a trigger point.

The social media response to Mika Singh’s post was mixed but vocal. A section of users supported Mika’s sentiment. One comment read, “Pehli baar Mika ne akkal ki baat ki hai…we totally agree. If Fawad Khan’s movies and Atif Aslam’s songs are banned, why are there different rules for Hania Aamir?” Another user bluntly said, “Boycott karo . Diljit Pakistan premi ko.”

But not everyone agreed. A more balanced view emerged from those who pointed out that the film was likely shot before the political climate worsened. A user commented, “When he was making this movie, how would he know that relations would get bad b/w India and Pakistan?” Others noted that “a movie involves the hard work of hundreds of Indian cast and crew members. One actor shouldn’t outshine their work.

Though Mika’s indignation is fueled by patriotic feelings, it should be remembered that the entertainment world runs on pre-scheduled calendars. Sardaar Ji 3 was produced much ahead of the ongoing tensions, and sudden changes are not always possible in the world of cinema. Though the skipping of the Indian release may appear controversial, it was likely also a deliberate action on the part of the producers to sidestep social and legal fallout.

All of that aside, this event brings to light the larger question: Is creative partnership to suffer due to political aggression? Or does patriotism demand clear boundaries when it comes to involving talent from countries with strained diplomatic ties?

The Diljit–Hania–Mika controversy is more than a celebrity squabble; it’s a reflection of how deeply national sentiment runs in today’s India. While Mika Singh’s call for responsibility is valid in many ways, so is the argument that art cannot always predict politics.

What remains true is this: artists today don’t just carry creative expectations; they carry the moral compass of their audiences. Whether Diljit Dosanjh will respond to the backlash remains to be seen, but the debate around Sardaar Ji 3 is likely to continue not just in cinemas, but in every household where patriotism and entertainment walk hand in hand.