Entertainment
“We Should Welcome Diljit Dosanjh in Pakistan,” Says Nadia Khan
Veteran Pakistani TV host and actress Nadia Khan has spoken up, once again stirring conversation across both media and public circles. This time, however, the focus isn’t solely on her past criticism of Pakistani celebrities working in Bollywood but rather on her firm support for Punjabi icon Diljit Dosanjh, whom she believes deserves a warm welcome in Pakistan.
In a new video shared on her Instagram, Nadia candidly addressed the backlash she received for what many considered a contradictory stance. Previously, she had criticized actress Hania Aamir for working in Sardaar Ji 3, an Indian film project, especially amid tense political relations between India and Pakistan. Critics accused Nadia of backtracking when she later praised the very film that featured Hania. But Nadia cleared the air with sharp clarity.
“I haven’t changed my stance,” she said. “I still believe that Pakistani artists shouldn’t work in an industry where they’re insulted or humiliated. Our actors have immense fame and credibility here; they don’t need to chase validation from across the border.”
She further cited past incidents, from Mahira Khan’s removal from Indian film posters to Mawra Hocane being ousted from her project, to emphasise that Bollywood has often reacted negatively during periods of political friction, leaving Pakistani talent in the lurch.
But her support for Sardaar Ji 3 stems from an exception—Diljit Dosanjh. According to Nadia, Diljit’s decision to retain Hania in the film, despite all political pressure, showed integrity and courage. The film wasn’t released in India, but it premiered worldwide with Hania’s role intact.
“That moved me,” Nadia confessed. “He didn’t bow down to external pressure. While others might have dropped a Pakistani actress, Diljit stood by her. For that reason alone, I truly feel we should respect him and even welcome him in Pakistan.”
While many applaud her for distinguishing between principled support and blind cross-border collaborations, others are still questioning the delicate balance between art and nationalism.