Singer Adnan Sami has spoken about the controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s film Sardaar Ji 3, saying that while art has no borders, an artist’s nationality remains an important part of their identity.
In a recent interview, Sami, who became an Indian citizen in 2016, explained, “Politics is something else, and nationality is something else. An artist always belongs to his country; he cannot be political.” He added that art should not be pushed into political debates and that artists are not tied to political ideologies.
The debate began after Sardaar Ji 3, featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir alongside Dosanjh, was banned from release in India following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The move led to Dosanjh facing criticism and being labeled “anti-national” by some groups.
Responding during a concert in Malaysia, Dosanjh defended himself by pointing out that the film was completed before the attack. He also questioned why cricket matches between India and Pakistan continued despite tensions. “We are with our country and against terrorism,” he told fans, stressing that patriotism was never in doubt.
He further rejected claims of being anti-national, saying, “Every effort was made to portray me as an anti-national, but this is not the truth. Our community has always been loyal and patriotic.”
Despite the ban, Sardaar Ji 3 has performed strongly overseas, with support from the Punjabi diaspora. However, the casting of Hania Aamir has fueled criticism amid ongoing political sensitivities between India and Pakistan.
The controversy highlights the difficult balance between art, politics, and national identity, especially in times of heightened tensions between neighboring countries.
