Naseeruddin Shah Breaks Silence on Diljit’s Controversy—Told Critics to ‘Go to Kailasa’

Naseeruddin Shah stands with Diljit Dosanjh in the Sardaar Ji 3 storm. Casting isn’t his call. Art must stay above borders.

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah came out in support of Diljit Dosanjh in the controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3 for his collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Shah said that the backlash against Diljit was a politically motivated attack and that creative decisions in the film were not something for which Diljit could be held responsible.

Shah Blames Politics, Not Artists

According to Shah, the casting decision was the director's to make and not the actor's. Shah went on to say that he was concerned about the targeted outrage that has been aimed at Diljit because of the latter's global popularity. 

In a sharply worded social media statement, Shah said that certain political elements had been trying to hitch a ride on the singer-actor for some time and had now found their pick. 

Trailer Triggers Debate Over Cross-Border Casting

The film’s trailer sparked heated debate soon after its release. Critics argued that featuring a Pakistani actress was insensitive given ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, especially after recent violent incidents in Pahalgam. As a result, the movie skipped an Indian release and launched internationally on June 27.

Shah Warns Against Cultural Isolation

Shah questioned the growing attempts to disconnect people culturally, calling it harmful to shared artistic values. He reminded critics that personal relationships and artistic ties cannot be dictated by politics. Without naming parties directly, Shah accused certain groups of exploiting nationalism for attention, rather than supporting cinema or artists.

"Go to Kailasa" Remark Sparks Online Support

His Facebook comment, “GO TO KAILASA,” aimed at those asking Diljit to “Go to Pakistan,” quickly gained traction online. Though Shah deleted the post hours later, the message had already made waves, with many praising him for standing up for artistic freedom.

Boycott Calls Intensify Amid Industry Backlash

Calls for boycotts continue to rise, with the All Indian Cine Workers Association and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees demanding a ban on Diljit and his future projects. Singer Mika Singh also weighed in, suggesting that Diljit should issue an apology.

Diljit Remains Silent as Support Grows

Being the subject of a backlash and a storm of protest, Diljit has stayed silent: There is neither any apology from him nor any response. Meanwhile, support for him is growing online, with a large number of people saying that actors should not be blamed for decisions beyond their control.

A Larger Debate on Politics and Artistic Freedom

The Sardaar Ji 3 controversy has once again facilitated a larger discourse on the fragile space whereby politics, cinema, and identity coalesce. This begs the question of whether art can be free when borders and national sentiments begin to close in on it.