Diljit Dosanjh Stands Strong Amid Criticism: 'I'm Not Going Anywhere!'

Diljit Dosanjh's Resilience in the Face of Criticism

New Delhi: Renowned Punjabi artist Diljit Dosanjh has expressed that he remains unaffected by negative feedback and media scrutiny, emphasizing his commitment to his career on his own terms.

During an Instagram Live session following the launch of his Aura India tour at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, the 42-year-old singer addressed the backlash he has faced. He acknowledged the media and social media commentary but stated he would not engage with every critique.

"I understand that many will mock me, and some news outlets will generate negativity. However, regardless of the negativity, I’m still here, and I’m not going anywhere," he asserted.

Dosanjh, who has been in the industry for 25 years, declared that he would choose when to conclude his career. "I’ve been working for 25 years. I’ll stop only when I want to, not before," he affirmed.

He clarified that his choice to remain silent on certain matters should not be misconstrued as fear or an inability to defend himself. He is aware of the discussions surrounding him but does not feel every criticism warrants a response.

"Just because I don’t respond doesn’t mean I’m afraid or that I care about what others say. Those making such comments are not significant to me," he added.

The concert in Delhi, which was the first of eight planned performances for his tour, faced initial hurdles as the Delhi Police had denied permission due to security concerns. However, after the organizers submitted a revised plan, the concert was approved.

Weather conditions also posed challenges, with rain making the stage slippery. Nevertheless, Dosanjh proceeded with a performance that lasted over two hours.

During the Instagram Live, he discussed the challenges his team faced while organizing the event, though he refrained from detailing those issues.

"I won’t disclose the problems we encountered. I perform globally, and issues arise everywhere. However, it seems that when I perform in India, the problems multiply, especially for me. I don’t understand why," he remarked.

He expressed gratitude to the Delhi Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for their support, marking his return to the capital after two years.

"Your arrangements were excellent and made it easy for us to conduct the show. A big thank you to the Delhi Police and our young CRPF personnel," he said.

The Instagram Live followed his remarks during the concert, where he addressed criticism regarding his stance on the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led student protests in July and the controversy surrounding his film Satluj.

"I love everyone because I’m an artist, bro," he reiterated, responding to questions about the CJP protest, from which he distanced himself.

His comments sparked backlash on social media, with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke questioning his stance. Dipke suggested that artists should voice their opinions on significant issues, warning that silence could jeopardize their films.

In response to the criticism during the concert, Dosanjh maintained his preference for silence and reiterated his support for everyone. He urged others not to underestimate Punjabis' ability to advocate for their beliefs.

"I choose to remain quiet, so let me be. I support all of you. Don’t teach Punjabis how to fight battles," he stated.

Regarding Satluj, where he portrays human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, Dosanjh mentioned that his team had worked hard to bring the film to audiences. He emphasized his belief in love and his refusal to respond to hostility with hatred.

Originally titled Punjab ’95, the film chronicles Khalra’s efforts to document alleged unlawful killings and secret cremations in Punjab during the late 1980s and early 1990s. After a lengthy delay, it premiered on ZEE5 in July but was removed within two days.

Dosanjh's public statements and career choices have consistently attracted attention and sparked discussions. His support for the farmers' protest in 2020 faced criticism, with some labeling him as anti-national. He later discussed the backlash and legal challenges he encountered due to his support for the movement.

In January 2025, he faced renewed criticism after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some farm leaders questioning the consistency of his support for the farmers' movement.

Later in 2025, his decision to cast Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3 drew criticism from film organizations following the Pahalgam terror attack. Dosanjh clarified that the film had been shot prior to the attack and was subsequently released in international markets.

Despite the controversies, Dosanjh's global presence continues to grow, as he brings Punjabi music to audiences worldwide. In 2023, he became the first Punjabi-language artist to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, and the following year, he made his US television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

He has collaborated with international artists like Ed Sheeran and Sia, sharing the stage with Sheeran at concerts. At the 2025 Met Gala, Dosanjh showcased his Punjabi and Sikh heritage through an outfit inspired by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala.

In addition to his music career, Dosanjh has explored various roles in the Hindi film industry, balancing mainstream projects with films that tackle complex social and historical themes. His acting credits include Udta Punjab, Jogi, and Amar Singh Chamkila, reflecting his interest in narratives that transcend conventional commercial cinema.