Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has publicly condemned veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah's support for Diljit Dosanjh in the ongoing controversy surrounding the film Sardaar Ji 3. The controversy erupted after Diljit shared the film's trailer, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The casting of a Pakistani actor in an Indian film sparked backlash, with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) taking a strong stance against working with Pakistani artists.

Pandit, an outspoken critic of the casting, emphasized that Diljit, as an actor, could have refused to work with Hania Aamir. In an interview, Pandit said, "Naseeruddin Shah’s comments don’t surprise us. He calls us 'goons' and 'Jumla party,' showing his frustration and restlessness.” Pandit criticized Pakistan’s history of terrorist attacks, including the Pahalgam and Pulwama attacks, calling Pakistan a “terror nation” and reiterating the FWICE's position on non-cooperation.

Pandit also mentioned the action taken by FWICE, stating that a non-cooperation directive had already been issued against Diljit Dosanjh for his involvement in Sardaar Ji 3. Shah, on the other hand, expressed his support for Diljit, insisting that the actor was not responsible for the casting and that he agreed to the role with a clear mind, despite the controversy surrounding it. Shah also criticized the political atmosphere in India, pointing out that personal interactions between India and Pakistan should not be restricted.

The controversy intensified after Diljit’s announcement of the overseas release of Sardaar Ji 3, which included a Pakistani actor in its cast. While Shah later deleted his post supporting Diljit, the debate continues to highlight tensions regarding cultural and political relations between India and Pakistan.