Renowned Indian poet and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar has finally spoken up about the ongoing controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s film Sardaar Ji 3. His firm statement during a recent interview caught social media’s attention and is now going viral.
Despite protests by Indian film federations and rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, Sardaar Ji 3 was released overseas — including in Pakistan — on June 27.
The main issue stems from the film’s inclusion of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, leading to demands for the film to be banned in India. Several industry organizations even called for Diljit’s passport and content to be banned in India.
Javed Akhtar’s Bold Opinion
Speaking at an NDTV Creators’ Forum, Javed Akhtar addressed the heated situation:
> “If Sardaar Ji 3 was shot before the Pahalgam attack, then banning it now is absolutely wrong.”
He strongly criticized the idea of applying new rules retroactively, stating that it sets a bad precedent.
> “You can’t make a new law today and apply it to something created in the past,” he added.
A Call for Logic and Fairness
Akhtar offered a solution, saying,
> “If the film was made before the new rule, allow its release. But going forward, think twice before casting Pakistani artists.”
He emphasized that banning films in India would hurt Indian investors, not Pakistan:
> “If you block releases, the loss is India’s. The money is ours, not theirs.”
Social Media Applauds Akhtar’s Stand
The clip of his statement quickly went viral. Fans of Diljit and many in the film community praised Javed Akhtar for defending freedom of expression and taking a balanced, practical stance.
Javed Akhtar’s words bring much-needed nuance and maturity to a highly sensitive issue. His defense of artistic integrity and logical approach has reignited the debat
e — this time with hope for a more thoughtful resolution.
