Why Did Naseeruddin Shah Suddenly Delete His Post on Diljit and Sardaar Ji 3?

Naseeruddin Shah Deletes Post Defending Diljit Dosanjh in Sardaar Ji 3 Row, States That Truth Burns a Crowd That Won't Listen

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah found himself in turbulent waters after showing support for Diljit Dosanjh during the ongoing Sardaar Ji 3 controversy. The uproar began when Pakistani actor Hania Aamir was cast in the film, triggering public and political criticism. Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Shah posted a statement defending Diljit and dismissing the backlash.

Shah Defends Diljit and Slams Political Targeting

Shah made it clear that Diljit had no role in the casting decision. He accused certain political circles of stoking conflict and trying to disrupt personal ties between Indians and Pakistanis. His message was blunt and unapologetic. He wrote that his ties with people in Pakistan were his matter and that critics had no right to question them.

Backlash and Storm on Social Media

The statement led to a social-media storm. It became viral via social media, with individuals such as filmmaker Ashoke Pandit coming out in stark opposition to Shah's viewpoint. The argument was that standing with Diljit, given the existing situation and recent terror attacks, was just wrong. Detractors went on to brand Shah's statement as ill-timed and insensitive.

Cryptic Message Follows the Deleted Post

He deleted the post without explanation. Shortly before, he shared the cryptic message on Facebook, quoting German philosopher Georg Christoph Lichtenberg: "It is almost impossible to carry the torch of truth through a crowd without singeing somebody's beard." The general gist was a thinly disguised lament over public pressure on public figures when they get into controversial terrain.

A Collision of Art, Politics, and Public Sentiment

The chain of events points to the explosive mixture constituted by politics, art, and public perception. Whereas Shah’s original posting was geared toward freeing the arts from political tensions, the backlash he was experiencing revealed the deep-seated divisions with regard to cross-border collaborations.

Film’s Future in India Remains Uncertain

Sardaar Ji 3, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Hania Aamir, has only been released overseas so far. Calls for banning Diljit’s work continue in India. Film workers’ bodies have voiced strong opposition. Some public voices, including singer Mika Singh, have demanded that Diljit issue an apology. The film’s fate remains uncertain in India.

A Reminder of the Price of Speaking Out

Naseeruddin Shah’s deleted message will remain a telling reminder of the costs that come with speaking out. The incident brings forward deeper questions about the place of cinema in strained political climates, and whether the torch of truth can shine without burning bridges.