Ashoke Pandit Slams Naseeruddin Shah Over His Stance on Diljit Dosanjh Amid Sardaar Ji 3 Row

Ashoke Pandit, senior advisor at the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), has launched a scathing attack on veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah for publicly supporting Diljit Dosanjh amid the Sardaar Ji 3 controversy. The dispute began when Dosanjh’s film featured Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, leading to backlash and a non-cooperation directive from FWICE.

Pandit conveyed his disappointment, stating he was “neither surprised nor shocked” by Shah’s remarks. He accused Shah of using derogatory terms like “goons” and “Jumla Party” to describe those opposing Dosanjh’s casting, highlighting the veteran actor’s restlessness and frustration.

Naseeruddin Shah had defended Dosanjh, clarifying that the singer-actor wasn’t responsible for casting decisions and offering support for cross-border artistic collaboration. In response, Pandit argued that Dosanjh, as a leading actor, could have chosen to step away from the project had he been uncomfortable working alongside Pakistani artists .

Pandit emphasized FWICE’s firm stance on protecting national sentiment. He branded Pakistan a “terror nation,” citing major terror attacks including Pahalgam and Pulwama, and underscored that the organisation’s boycott aligns with support from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

FWICE has already issued a non-cooperation order against Dosanjh and is petitioning producer associations to avoid casting him, warning that event companies should also refrain from hiring his services. Pandit clarified that these steps are rooted in national interest, not personal vendettas .

This clash has lifted the curtain on deeper tensions in the industry—balancing artistic freedom against national loyalty, professional autonomy against collective responsibility. As FWICE doubles down on its hardline measures, this episode underscores the rising scrutiny faced by actors making cross-border choices in a politically charged environment.