Punjabi singer and actor Guru Randhawa has come under fire from fans online after making a series of cryptic posts, widely interpreted as an indirect jibe at fellow artist Diljit Dosanjh amid the brewing controversy surrounding the film Sardaar Ji 3.
The row centres around the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the upcoming Punjabi film, which has sparked widespread debate, especially considering recent political tensions between India and Pakistan. The backlash intensified when Randhawa posted a pointed message on X (formerly Twitter), which many fans perceived as aimed at Dosanjh: “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… Now don’t start controversy again and manipulate Indians LOL PR bigger than artist.”
Fans of Diljit Dosanjh swiftly took to the comments section to voice their disapproval. One user wrote, “Grow up, Guru,” while another remarked, “It seems like you’re the one trying to stir up controversy for PR.” Another comment read, “That’s all straight jealousy,” while one critic added, “Try singing a song without mentioning Lahore.”
However, not all responses were critical. Some users defended Randhawa, suggesting he had a right to express his opinion and that the criticism was unwarranted.
This isn’t the first time the High Rated Gabru singer has commented on the nature of fame and media. In an earlier tweet, he wrote: “When the PR team is more talented than the talent itself, controversies become part of the daily routine… God bless the fake PR and the artists.”
Amid the online backlash, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 issued an official statement on 25 June to clarify the timing and circumstances around Hania Aamir’s involvement. The production team confirmed that the casting and filming were completed well before the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and that no decisions were made in response to the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
“The film was shot well before the prevailing situation that our country is facing right now… It was never the case that any Pakistani artist was signed or engaged after the attack,” the statement read.
Out of respect for public sentiment, the team also confirmed that the film will not be released in India for now.
Despite the controversy, Sardaar Ji 3 is still set for an international release on 27 June. The film’s trailer has already garnered strong reactions online, both for and against its casting choices.
As tensions play out on social media and in the public sphere, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond when the film finally hits screens abroad.