My film was shot before Pahalgam, but now matches are being played: Diljit Dosanjh breaks silence
Kuala Lumpur: Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has spoken publicly for the first time on the controversy surrounding his film Sardaarji 3, his association with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, and the recent India–Pakistan cricket clash. Addressing his fans during a concert in Malaysia, Dosanjh also expressed grief over the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.
Several videos from the concert have surfaced online, showing Dosanjh saluting the Indian national flag on stage. “Woh mere desh da jhanda hai. Always respect,” he told the crowd. Seeking permission to share his views, he explained in Punjabi that Sardaarji 3 was filmed in February, prior to the Pahalgam attack, while the cricket match between India and Pakistan was played later in September.
“The tragic Pahalgam terror attack happened afterwards. At that time, and even now, we have always prayed that the terrorists should receive strict punishment. The difference is that my film was shot before the attack, and the match was played after it,” he said.
India and Pakistan met on September 14 in the Asia Cup, their first encounter since the attack. India secured a seven-wicket victory in the Group A clash but refused to exchange pleasantries with the Pakistan side, a decision seen as reflecting the strained ties between the two nations.
Dosanjh criticised sections of the media for portraying him as “anti-national” over his film casting. “The national media tried their best to portray me that way, but Punjabis and the Sikh community could never go against the nation,” he said.
The actor-singer further noted that he had “many answers” to the accusations but chose silence. “I didn’t speak. I have many answers. But whoever tells you anything, you shouldn’t take that poison inside you. I learned that from life,” he told the audience.
Earlier this year, Dosanjh faced backlash for working with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in Sardaarji 3, released overseas on June 27. Directed by Amar Hundal, the film also featured Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover, and Sapna Pabbi.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
