Diljit Dosanjh Calls Punjab 'Blessed Yet Cursed' Amid Sardaar Ji 3 Backlash, Says He’s Selfishly Working For Himself

Diljit Dosanjh is facing strong reactions online as Sardaar Ji 3 prepares for an overseas release on June 27. The backlash is largely due to the casting of Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, with critics accusing Diljit of ignoring India and only focusing on Punjab. 

But in a recent interview with BBC Asian Network, the singer-actor addressed the criticism head-on and didn’t hold back.

Opening up about his identity and connection to Punjab, Diljit got emotional. He said he doesn’t claim to be doing anything for Punjab and is simply doing his work. The singer-actor said, “I don’t want it to seem like I’m doing anything for Punjab. I’m just doing my job… I’m a very selfish guy.”

According to him, if his work benefits others, it’s just a ripple effect and not his intention.

Actor Diljit Dosanjh Says, “Punjab Is Blessed, Yet Cursed”

Diljit spoke about Punjab with a deep sense of love and pain. He described it as a land that has suffered through history yet continues to produce talent. “Perhaps Punjab is blessed, but perhaps it is also cursed,” he said, reflecting on the emotional weight he carries for his roots.

He shared that every global milestone in his career is meant to represent Punjab, not himself. From his performance at Coachella to walking the Met Gala red carpet, he wants Punjabi identity to be seen and respected. He remembered crying in his vanity van while imagining his Met Gala cape printed with the Punjab map and Gurmukhi script. 

He said, “I wanted to honour my Punjabi culture. Diljit going to the Met Gala isn’t a big deal. But Punjab going to the Met Gala is.”

Met Gala Look And Sardaar Ji 3 Controversy

Diljit Dosanjh revealed that he had asked Cartier to let him wear the historic Maharaja of Patiala’s necklace at the Met Gala. The brand refused, saying the necklace was at an exhibition. So he wore a replica instead. For him, the look was about making a bold statement and representing Punjabi royalty on one of fashion’s biggest stages.

On the ongoing Sardaar Ji 3 row, Diljit clarified that the decision to release the film overseas was made by the producers. He also added that the film was shot long before the recent Pahalgham attack.