Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah is known for never mincing his words and saying what he believes in without caring about anyone's opinion. 

 

The thespian has come out in strong support of Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, who is facing backlash in an increasingly extremist India for sharing the screen with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the latest film Sardaar Ji 3.

 

In a recent Facebook post, Naseeruddin urged people to understand that Diljit was not responsible for the film’s casting and praised him for not letting politics cloud his choices. He also criticised those who try to create hate between India and Pakistan.

 

"I STAND FIRMLY WITH DILJIT. The dirty tricks deptt of Jumla Party has been awaiting a chance to attack him. They think they’ve got it at last. He was not responsible for the casting of the film; the director was. But no one knows who he is, whereas Diljit is known the world over, and he agreed to the cast because his mind is not poisoned," Shah wrote. 

 

 

He then did what few other brave people in India can do, address the ban on Pakistani artists. "What these goons want is to put an end to personal interaction between the people of India and Pakistan. I have close relatives and some dear friends there, and no one can stop me from meeting them or sending them love whenever I feel like it.”

 

He concluded by saying, “And my response to those who will say 'Go to Pakistan' is 'GO TO KAILASA'". 

 

Meanwhile, Sardaar Ji 3 is enjoying huge box office success. The Indian Punjabi film has outperformed major releases in Pakistan and is setting new records at cinemas across the country, including Lahore, where it is showing on over 30 screens.

 

Produced by Gambhir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu and Diljit Dosanjh, the film was released on June 27. Despite opposition in India, Sardaar Ji 3 made history in Pakistan by becoming the highest first-day earner for any Indian film released here. The movie collected an impressive PKR 3.5 crore on its opening day, breaking the previous record held by Salman Khan’s 2016 hit Sultan.

 

Globally, the film’s earnings have crossed PKR 36.6 crores.

 

Filled with comedy, fantasy and horror, Sardaar Ji 3 shows Diljit Dosanjh as a ghost hunter chasing spirits inside a haunted mansion in the UK. The film’s cast includes Hania Aamir, Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, and Pakistani actors Nasir Chinyoti, Saleem Albela and Daniyal Khawar.

 

With packed cinemas and positive reviews, the film’s winning run is expected to continue in the coming days.