New Delhi, June 28 -- Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has come out in defence of actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, who is facing severe backlash over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming film 'Sardaar Ji 3'.

In a recent interview with NDTV's Creators Manch, Akhtar called for a more nuanced and sympathetic response from both the government and film bodies.

"Ab kya karein bechara. The movie was shot earlier. Usko pata toh nahi tha ki aisa hoga," Akhtar said, referring to the recent controversy.

"It's not a Pakistani's money that will be lost, it's an Indian's. So what's the point?" he added, stressing that punishing Diljit retroactively for a decision made before current tensions escalated would be unrea...