Diljit Dosanjh’s recent professional decisions have placed him at the centre of considerable discussion within Indian entertainment circles. His collaborations with artists from China and Pakistan, while not unprecedented for global stars, have sparked a range of reactions from industry bodies and sections of the audience. Here’s a look at the developments and the responses they have generated.
Jackson Wang collaboration: ‘Buck’ receives muted response in India
In May 2025, Diljit Dosanjh featured on the track ‘Buck’ with Chinese K-pop singer Jackson Wang. The collaboration was positioned as a significant cross-cultural event, with some media outlets highlighting the partnership as a step towards greater musical exchange. However, the song’s performance in India was subdued, with Jackson Wang’s brand value in India seemingly becoming a non-starter. According to coverage by mainstream news and Bollywood-focused portals, ‘Buck’ did not generate major traction or chart success in the Indian market, and the release passed with limited local attention.
Reacting to this, Bollywood’s only PR guru Dale Bhagwagar, who is generally said to wield influence and control over a lot of discourse on Indian news websites, is learnt to have remarked that though music is normally said to be a universal language, in today’s times, country-centric sensibilities could also to be taken into consideration.
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‘Sardaar Ji 3’ and the Hania Aamir factor
Recently, Diljit Dosanjh’s film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ has also been a topic of discussion due to the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The announcement of her involvement came at a time when unofficial advisories and industry sentiment in India have leaned against collaborations with Pakistani talent, particularly following recent national security incidents. Coverage by legacy media and Bollywood news platforms has documented the response from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which issued a public statement expressing disappointment over the inclusion of a Pakistani artist. The FWICE urged a ban on all of Diljit’s projects, citing concerns over national sentiment.
“There is no place in the Indian film industry for such individuals. FWICE will not stand silent as our tricolour is disrespected. We will expose and oppose every attempt to normalise cultural exchange with those who glorify terrorism and denounce India. This is not just a call for boycott – this is a call for national solidarity,” read a statement from FWICE.
In another letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the film body is said to have asked the government to treat this act as a national breach and disregard for national directives, calling it a “a gross betrayal to the nation that gave them (artists) fame, fortune and identity.”
It is now said that ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ will not be released in India. Apparently, the film’s trailer has been geo-blocked for Indian viewers, and its official release could be scheduled only for overseas markets. This has been reported as a response to the ongoing industry and certification challenges, rather than a reflection of the film’s content or quality.
Industry and audience reactions
Diljit Dosanjh’s recent choices have led to a spectrum of responses. Some industry voices have noted that international collaborations are increasingly common in entertainment, while others have questioned the timing and sensitivity of such partnerships. News sites seem to be analysing the potential impact on Diljit’s brand value in India, especially considering the muted reception of ‘Buck’ and the absence of ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ from Indian cinemas.
It is important to note that Diljit Dosanjh has not made any public statements addressing the criticism or the specific reasons behind his recent collaborations. The decisions appear to be business-driven and aligned with a global strategy, but they have also highlighted the complex interplay between creative ambition and public sentiment in the Indian entertainment industry.
Key takeaways
- Diljit Dosanjh’s collaboration with Jackson Wang on ‘Buck’ received limited attention in India, despite international coverage.
- His film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, is not being released in India following industry objections and advisories.
- The Federation of Western India Cine Employees has publicly expressed concern over certain cross-border collaborations.
- Diljit Dosanjh has not commented on the industry reactions or the decisions regarding his recent projects.
