Diljit Dosanjh Responds to Criticism During Concert in New Delhi
Diljit Dosanjh Addresses Controversy at Concert
File image of Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh(Photo: X)
Mumbai, Oct 31: During his concert in New Delhi as part of the Aura India Tour, Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh addressed the backlash he faced for his earlier statement, 'I’m an artist, bro.'
He responded to critics who mocked his film 'Satluj' during protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi a few months back, particularly regarding his choice to refrain from political involvement.
On the first day of his India tour, Diljit tackled the controversy surrounding his absence from student protests earlier this year.
His comments had attracted criticism from CJP members, including leader Abhijeet Dipke, who questioned his position, especially given his connection to politically significant projects like 'Satluj', which tells the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
While performing, Diljit expressed his love for his audience, stating, “I love all of you because I am an artist, bro. I am being quiet, so let me stay quiet. I support all of you. But don't teach Punjabis how to fight.”
He further addressed the mockery of his film, saying, “The film you are making fun of on stage, Jaswant Singh Khalra's film, we fought for that film for a long time. I love all of you. If someone hates us, it's okay. But I love all of you.”
Emphasizing that Punjabis do not require lessons on standing up for their beliefs, he remarked, “Punjabion ko naa sikhaao kaise ladayiaan ladi jaati hain” (Do not teach Punjabis how to fight battles).
In an Instagram Live session, Diljit shared his perspective on the criticism, indicating that he was unfazed by those trying to spread negativity. He acknowledged that these individuals aimed to disturb him, but he remained unaffected.
Following Diljit's comments at the concert, Abhijeet Dipke took to social media to share a heartfelt note titled 'To Diljit Paaji'.
In his message, Dipke expressed, “To Diljit Paaji, back in June, when we were protesting, I was a little hurt by your comment. Not because I had anything against you personally, but because I’ve always seen you as someone who speaks up for the cause, just like you said yourself.”
He continued, “If anything, I’ve always been an admirer of yours, and that hasn’t changed. I still listen to your music. In fact, I came to your concert in Chicago this May, just before returning to India, not just for your music, but because I’ve always had immense respect for the person you are. Your courage, your authenticity, and the way you’ve taken India to the global stage while staying so true to your roots are things I’ve always admired about you. And I guess that’s why the comment hurt a little, because I’ve always held you in such high regard.”
“But one disagreement or misunderstanding doesn’t change the respect and admiration I have for you. Baaki paaji, chhota bhai samajh ke mitti pao. And at last I would just like to say, “Gabru ta vairi nu vi mitha bolda, ni tu ta ferr jatt da pyar goriye,” he concluded.