After facing similar heat, Vaani Kapoor defends Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Sardaarji 3’

Vaani Kapoor has addressed the controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaarji 3, defending the actor and the production stating that they likely had no intention to “disrespect the nation”. The film had featured Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, a casting choice that was not looked upon favourably considering the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 tourists and triggered nationwide outrage.

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Though the film faced intense scrutiny from Indian authorities, it managed a global release, with the exception of India. In an interview with NDTV, the Kapoor commented on Dosanjh’s decision to pursue international screenings despite backlash from the home audience. The Mandala Murders actress said, "I am assuming his film was shot before the atrocious attack and I am assuming as a producer his money must have been stuck.”

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She further acknowledged that the film was shot well before the incident. "I guess, some 100 technicians were involved in making the film. The situation was different when the film was shot. I don't think he was meaning to disrespect the nation. He is a global star... He is looked up to globally. He has taken measures as per whatever he thought was suitable to him. But I don't think any laws have been broken, right?"

Kapoor’s statement comes months after her own film Abir Gulaal, was scheduled to be release two weeks after the Pahalgam attack. She starred as the co-lead alongside Fawad Khan, a Pakistani actor. Khan’s involvement in the film, much like Hania Aamir’s, drew criticism and faced a release blockade in India. 

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