BJP backs Diljit in row over movie, calls him ‘national asset’

The BJP on Saturday backed singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh facing backlash over his movie Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Pakistani actor Hania Aamir.

The party described him a “national asset” and “global ambassador” of the Indian culture.

Diljit has faced criticism for appearing in the film featuring an actor from an “enemy” country, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, allegedly carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists.

The incident had led to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan.

In the past, BJP leaders, including MP Kangana Ranaut, and social media trolls had dubbed Dosanjh a “Khalistani”.

However, BJP national spokesperson RP Singh Khalsa defended the actor today. Punjabi actor and BJP member Hobby Dhaliwal also voiced his support for the actor.

Backing Diljit, RP Singh said, “He is a national asset and global ambassador of the Indian culture. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees’ (FWICE) call to revoke his Indian citizenship over a film shot before the Pahalgam incident is not only unfair but shockingly disproportionate.”

Khalsa added, “The film featuring a Pakistani actor was shot well before the Pahalgam attack. If there is anguish, it can be expressed through a boycott or by urging that the film not to be screened in India. But questioning Diljit’s patriotism and demanding such an extreme step is simply irrational.”

He stressed, “Let’s not cheapen nationalism or weaponise patriotism. The FWICE should reconsider its stance. Targeting our own talent only weakens our moral standing.”

Hobby Dhaliwal told mediapersons that Dosanjh was not just an artiste but a globally respected face of the Punjabi culture.

He clarified that the film in question was shot well before the Pahalgam incident when cultural exchanges between the two nations were still common.

“The shoot was conducted entirely within legal norms and involved multiple actors — not just Diljit,” he said.

Dhaliwal expressed regret that certain elements were now demanding the cancellation of Diljit’s citizenship and a ban on his films, which he “unjustified, politically motivated and entirely baseless”.

“Diljit is the son of this soil. Punjab stands with him, so does India,” Dhaliwal declared. BJP’s Punjab media cell Chief Vineet Joshi echoed similar sentiments.