Abhijeet Bhattacharya Ignites Controversy, Attacks Diljit Dosanjh Over Pakistani Actress in 'Sardaar Ji 3'

Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has publicly criticized actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, using an old concert video to fuel the controversy surrounding Dosanjh's upcoming Punjabi film, Sardaar Ji 3. The film features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a leading role, sparking debate amidst ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan.

In a recent post, Bhattacharya shared a clip of Dosanjh performing a line from Rahat Indori's famous poem, "Kisi ke baap ka Hindustan thodi hai" (Hindustan is not anyone's father's property). Bhattacharya then added his own retort: "Hindustan hamare baap ka hai... Hindustan hamare baap ke baap ke baap ke purvajo ka hai" (Hindustan belongs to our father... Hindustan belongs to the ancestors of our father's father's father). The video concludes with Bhattacharya holding the Indian flag and singing "Sare Jahan Se Achha", with the caption: "Hindustan Hamare BAAP ka hai.." (Hindustan belongs to our father).

The timing of Bhattacharya's outburst appears to be directly linked to the growing backlash against Sardaar Ji 3.

Many social media users, including prominent figures, have expressed their disapproval of Diljit Dosanjh's collaboration with Hania Aamir, citing the delicate political climate between the two nations. As a result of the controversy, the producers of Sardaar Ji 3 have opted to bypass a theatrical release in India. Instead, the film will be released overseas, where Diljit Dosanjh maintains a strong and dedicated fanbase, particularly in North America, the UK, and Australia.

The Origin of the Viral Verse

Diljit Dosanjh's original recitation of the Rahat Indori verse took place during his concert in Indore last December. His words were an indirect response to protests by Bajrang Dal, who were objecting to the serving of alcohol and meat at the event.

His performance included the lines: "Agar khilaaf hai hone do, jaan thodi hai... Sab ka khoon hai shaamil yahaan ki mitti mein, kisi ke baap ka Hindustan thodi hai" (Let there be opposition, it's not life-threatening... Everyone's blood is mixed in the soil here, Hindustan is not anyone's father's property).

This moment resonated deeply with fans, who saw it as a poetic act of defiance, and was not intended as a political or anti-national statement.

Imtiaz Ali Defends Diljit Dosanjh

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, who directed Diljit Dosanjh in Amar Singh Chamkila, has come to the defense of the singer-actor. During a recent interview, Ali stated, "I don’t know the details, but I know that uske andar desh prem bahut zyada hai" (he truly loves his country). He further added, "Jo log dekh paayenge unke andar ke sach ko, unko ye samajh mein aa jaayega" (Those who can see the truth will understand).

Imtiaz Ali also emphasized Diljit Dosanjh's authenticity, stating, "Fakeness ke saath woh kuch nahi karta. At the end of all his concerts, he says, ‘Main hoon Punjab’ while holding the Indian flag" (He doesn't do anything with fakeness. At the end of all his concerts, he says, ‘I am Punjab’ while holding the Indian flag).