India and Pakistan have sporadically attempted to ‘normalise’ relations after every war that took place between them, and every setback caused by terrorist attacks. However, as the years have passed, India has realised that ‘peace’ has only provided Pakistan the space and opportunity to try and achieve its goal of acquiring J&K.
The Modi Government, particularly, has exhibited its determination to make Pakistan pay a price for its reprehensible policy. As such, any and every interaction that benefits Pakistan has been discontinued, such as trade and commerce. Since many individual Pakistanis benefited from playing in the IPL, or performing in Indian movies, this avenue has also been closed. After the Pahalgam incident, even Pakistanis living here on long term visas were sent home, admittedly a somewhat extreme response.
It is in this context that singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh is facing flak for having a Pakistani actress perform in his latest movie, ‘Sardaar Ji 3’. There is no doubt that Pakistan has enormous talent in the music, acting and writing spheres, which in the normal course would have greatly benefited the Indian film industry. However, the boycott of these artistes is in support of the national interest. And there is no doubt that this strategy has considerably hurt the Pakistanis. So, while all filmmakers and content developers are making this sacrifice, what should be their reaction to someone who breaks ranks in this regard? It is only natural that there has been widespread outrage, particularly among those from the industry.
Considering the fact that ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ is mostly targeted at the Punjabi community, a large section of whom are in Pakistan and the Diaspora around the world, it was only natural to cast a Pakistani actress in the movie. Her presence would help fill theatres in Pakistan. In fact, the ongoing controversy will have Pakistanis turning out in droves to support their performer. It was for Dosanjh to make the choice – whether to go after an audience that is global or sacrifice for almost zero following outside of Punjab in India. The choice would have gone unnoticed had it not been for the Pahalgam incident and Operation Sindoor. The overseas Punjabis are a prosperous community and basing a career in that eco-system is quite a viable choice. It is his individual choice to make – after all there is a world beyond the rivalries of the sub-continent. And, eventually, he will have to live with that choice.
