Between Fame and Identity: Why Diljit Dosanjh Says He is Criticised in Both India and Canada
Amid packed arenas and roaring crowds, Diljit Dosanjh continues to win hearts across continents with his Aura World Tour. However, behind the electrifying performances and fan frenzy, the singer-actor recently opened up about a more complicated reality he faces. He spoke candidly about being labeled and criticised from multiple sides, regardless of where his travels take him.
During a recent concert in Edmonton, Canada, Diljit took a moment between songs to interact with his fans and reflect on the challenges that come with fame and identity. While addressing the audience, he promised to give his best and make the evening unforgettable. The mood turned reflective when he noticed young fans enthusiastically chanting “Punjabi aa gaye oye (Punjabis have arrived).” Smiling, Diljit echoed the phrase but added a deeper note in Punjabi: “Stop it as much as you want, but once it gets into the kids, that 'Punjabi aa gaye oye' spirit, it never goes.”
Diljit on the Criticism from Different Quarters
He then spoke honestly about the criticism he faces from various groups. “Mainu toh dowe passo gaaliyan mildiyan (I get abuses from both sides). When I go to India, they say 'Khalistani aa gaya (Khalistani has arrived),' and when I come here, they say something else. I don't know where to go,” he said. Despite these heavy labels, Diljit maintained that he believes he is on the "right path," adding, “I only have love to offer to everyone.”
This is not the first time the singer has addressed such tension during his tour. Earlier, during a concert in Calgary, the singer stopped the performance midway when he noticed some audience members waving pro-Khalistani flags. He told them that they may keep waving as much as they want, but he would continue to make Punjab proud wherever he goes.
Connecting Global Success with Cultural History
To emphasize his point, Diljit referred to his recent high-profile appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he spoke about the 1914 Guru Nanak Jahaz tragedy in Canada. By bringing such historical stories to a global platform, Diljit highlighted how far the community has come over the decades and his role in bridging cultural gaps.
Looking Ahead: Concerts and Cinema
After successful shows in Vancouver and Calgary, the singer is set to perform in several major cities across North America, including Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. On the film front, Diljit will next be seen in Main Vaapas Aaunga, directed by Imtiaz Ali. The film, described as a poignant story of love and longing, also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari, and Vedang Raina. Featuring music by A. R. Rahman and lyrics by Irshad Kamil, the film is slated for a theatrical release on June 12, 2026.
During a recent concert in Edmonton, Canada, Diljit took a moment between songs to interact with his fans and reflect on the challenges that come with fame and identity. While addressing the audience, he promised to give his best and make the evening unforgettable. The mood turned reflective when he noticed young fans enthusiastically chanting “Punjabi aa gaye oye (Punjabis have arrived).” Smiling, Diljit echoed the phrase but added a deeper note in Punjabi: “Stop it as much as you want, but once it gets into the kids, that 'Punjabi aa gaye oye' spirit, it never goes.”
Diljit on the Criticism from Different Quarters
He then spoke honestly about the criticism he faces from various groups. “Mainu toh dowe passo gaaliyan mildiyan (I get abuses from both sides). When I go to India, they say 'Khalistani aa gaya (Khalistani has arrived),' and when I come here, they say something else. I don't know where to go,” he said. Despite these heavy labels, Diljit maintained that he believes he is on the "right path," adding, “I only have love to offer to everyone.”
This is not the first time the singer has addressed such tension during his tour. Earlier, during a concert in Calgary, the singer stopped the performance midway when he noticed some audience members waving pro-Khalistani flags. He told them that they may keep waving as much as they want, but he would continue to make Punjab proud wherever he goes.
Connecting Global Success with Cultural History
To emphasize his point, Diljit referred to his recent high-profile appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he spoke about the 1914 Guru Nanak Jahaz tragedy in Canada. By bringing such historical stories to a global platform, Diljit highlighted how far the community has come over the decades and his role in bridging cultural gaps.
Looking Ahead: Concerts and Cinema
After successful shows in Vancouver and Calgary, the singer is set to perform in several major cities across North America, including Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. On the film front, Diljit will next be seen in Main Vaapas Aaunga, directed by Imtiaz Ali. The film, described as a poignant story of love and longing, also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari, and Vedang Raina. Featuring music by A. R. Rahman and lyrics by Irshad Kamil, the film is slated for a theatrical release on June 12, 2026.
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