Mumbai– Punjabi singer-actor Guru Randhawa is facing social media backlash after sharing cryptic posts that fans interpreted as veiled criticism of fellow artist Diljit Dosanjh, amid the controversy surrounding the film Sardaar Ji 3.
The controversy stems from the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the film, which sparked outrage following recent escalations in India-Pakistan tensions. Fans of Diljit Dosanjh accused Randhawa of taking indirect jabs at the actor-singer, who stars in the film.
On Thursday, Randhawa posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Lakh pardesi hoyieee Apna desh nhi bhandi daa Jehre mulk da khayie us da bura nhi mangi da. Even if now your citizenship is not Indian but you were born here pls remember this. This country made great artists and we all are proud of it. Pls be proud of where you were born. Just an advice. Now don’t start controversy again and manipulate Indians LOL PR bigger thn artist.” (sic)
The tweet, seen by many as a pointed remark at Dosanjh, triggered a wave of criticism. One user responded, “Grow up, Guru,” while another said, “You seem desperate to create controversy for PR. Just a few months ago, you were promoting your film Shahkot about Pakistan.” Another quipped, “Try singing a song without mentioning Lahore in it.”
Some users defended Randhawa, supporting his apparent call for national pride and responsibility, but others labeled the remarks as “jealousy” or an attempt to stir controversy.
In a separate post, Randhawa wrote:
“When the PR team is more talented than the talent itself, controversies become part of the daily routine. The day is near when our people will open their eyes and know the truth. LOL. 1st of every month, dropping bombs. God bless the fake PR and the artists.”
Amid the rising furor, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 issued an official statement on June 25 clarifying that Hania Aamir was cast well before the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The statement emphasized that the film had completed production prior to the recent deterioration in India-Pakistan relations.
“This is to bring to everyone’s kind notice that the film, named Sardaar Ji 3, was shot well before the prevailing situation that our country is facing right now and it was never the case that any Pakistani artist was signed or engaged after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam,” the producers said.
They also confirmed that the film’s India release has been withheld due to the sensitive nature of the current situation.
Despite the backlash, Sardaar Ji 3 is still set to premiere internationally on June 27, though its release in India remains uncertain. (Source: IANS)
