Chandigarh: The Chief Minister of Indian Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, has come forward in strong support of Punjabi actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh and his latest film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, which has faced a ban in India due to the presence of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in the cast.

Speaking in the Punjab Assembly, Bhagwant Mann delivered a passionate and emotional speech, sharply criticizing the Indian government’s treatment of Punjabi culture, artists, and people, particularly those associated with cross-border collaborations.

Mann stated that the Indian government’s stance against ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ was both unfair and politically motivated, especially considering that the film’s production had been completed well before the recent Pahalgam incident, which has led to an increase in anti-Pakistan sentiments in India.

“The shoot for Sardaar Ji 3 happened long before the Pahalgam incident,” Mann said.
“Now, suddenly, the film is being banned just because Diljit worked with a Pakistani actress? This is hypocrisy.”

“Culture Knows No Borders”

Highlighting the deep cultural ties between Punjabis across the border, Bhagwant Mann pointed out that language, customs, and traditions are shared on both sides of Punjab, regardless of political boundaries.

“Whether it’s this side of the border or the other side,” he emphasized,
“Punjabis speak the same language, share the same values, and live the same culture. But now Diljit is being called a traitor?”

He expressed his dismay at the growing intolerance towards cultural exchange and asked a very pointed question: “What is Punjab’s fault?” Mann stressed that regional pride and national loyalty should not be questioned simply because of collaboration with artists from Pakistan.

“Punjab Is Not the Enemy”

Bhagwant Mann didn’t hold back as he reprimanded the Indian government’s historical and ongoing treatment of Punjab, both culturally and politically. He reminded the house that it was Punjab that bore the brunt of wars, made the largest sacrifices for the country, and yet is now being accused of betrayal.

“The battles were fought by Punjab, the victories came through Punjab, but now we are the ones being called traitors?”
“We are more patriotic than anyone,” he said.
“Don’t test our loyalty.”

He warned against the politics of division and scapegoating, asserting that Punjab and its people are being treated like sheep and goats, without any regard for their contributions to the nation.

“One day they say, ‘Go fight Pakistan,’ the next day they say, ‘Make peace with Pakistan.’
What kind of politics is this?” Mann questioned.

The Ban and Its Global Context

‘Sardaar Ji 3’ features a unique collaboration between Indian superstar Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, known for her charm and immense fan following. The film, which promotes love, unity, and shared heritage, has been banned in India amid increasing nationalistic and anti-Pakistan sentiments following the Pahalgam terrorist incident.

However, the film has been released worldwide and is receiving positive reviews internationally, especially from the Punjabi diaspora who appreciate its message of cross-border cultural harmony.

The move to ban the film domestically has drawn sharp criticism from various artists, cultural commentators, and now political leaders like Bhagwant Mann, who believe that such actions undermine India’s claim to cultural democracy and artistic freedom.

“Don’t Forget What Punjab Feeds You”

Bhagwant Mann also reminded the nation of Punjab’s immense contribution to India’s food supply, emphasizing that without Punjab and Haryana, the rest of India could not even eat.

“Seventy percent of the country’s food comes from Punjab,” he said.
“It’s time the country recognizes the strength and sacrifices of this land.”

His comments were a clear rebuke to those in Delhi and other power centers who treat Punjab merely as a border state rather than acknowledging it as a cultural and economic powerhouse.

Broader Suppression of Pakistani Artists

The ban on ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ is not the only fallout from the Pahalgam incident. Indian authorities have also moved to restrict the social media accounts of several Pakistani artists, further heightening tensions in the entertainment and cultural exchange spaces.

The act has been labeled as reactionary and counterproductive by many, who argue that art, music, and cinema should serve as bridges—not battlegrounds—between nations.

Final Words

Bhagwant Mann’s speech has been widely shared on social media, gaining praise for his bold defense of cultural inclusivity and freedom of expression. By taking a stand for Diljit Dosanjh, Hania Aamir, and ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, he has sent a clear message: Punjab’s voice will not be silenced, and its culture will not be reduced to a political pawn.

As the controversy around the film continues to simmer, many are now calling for the Indian government to reconsider its stance, uphold artistic liberty, and let art do what politics has failed to: bring people together.