Naseeruddin Shah Backs Diljit Dosanjh in Sardaar Ji
With the film's success at the overseas box office, it remains to be seen whether it will be released in India, potentially reaching the 100 crore milestone at the worldwide box office. The controversy has sparked a debate on the importance of cultural exchange and the need for artists to be allowed to work freely without fear of backlash.
Veteran Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah has defended his statement supporting Diljit Dosanjh for working with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, despite facing backlash and his Facebook post going missing. Shah claimed he didn't delete the post and is willing to face criticism for his views on cultural exchange between India and Pakistan.
The controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 has sparked a wave of angry calls for bans and subsequent messages of solidarity, with Dosanjh facing backlash from right-wing Indian circles and some film bodies. Shah's support for Dosanjh has been seen as a significant development in the controversy, with the veteran actor sharing a personal anecdote about his father's decision to stay in India despite his brothers migrating to Pakistan.
Shah expressed his faith in India's future, stating that his children can be a combination of the best of both Muslim and Hindu cultures. He also addressed the criticism he faced for supporting Diljit, saying he wasn't expecting solidarity from the film industry. Despite the backlash, he remains firm in his stance, stating that he has the right to speak his truth without performing patriotism.
Meanwhile, Sardaar Ji 3 is performing well at the overseas box office, despite facing a ban in India due to the casting controversy. The film has earned 33.6 crore gross in 7 days and is just 16.4 crores away from reaching a major milestone of 50 crores. The film has received positive reviews and word-of-mouth, and is expected to continue attracting footfall for at least a couple of weeks.
The controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 has highlighted the challenges faced by artists who engage in cultural exchange between India and Pakistan. Shah's support for Dosanjh has been seen as a significant development in promoting people-to-people contact and cultural exchange between the two countries.