Diljit Dosanjh remembers performing at weddings for Rs 5,000 before stardom
Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has reflected on his financial struggles before fame, revealing that he had accepted wedding and birthday party functions for just Rs 5,000. The singer-actor also recalled growing up in poverty, saying that his family was often unable to afford medical treatment.
As i will come back Continuing his success in theatres, Diljit Dosanjh has opened up about the struggles that defined his early years. The singer-actor revealed that growing up, his family sometimes couldn’t even afford medical treatment, and shared how accepting birthday parties and wedding functions helped him pave his way to success.
Speaking during an interview at Q with Tom PowerDiljit spoke about how his childhood hardships shaped his outlook on life and inspired him to work tirelessly. He said that at times his family was so financially constrained that falling ill was a luxury they could not afford.
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After releasing his debut album in 2002, Diljit realized that live performances would become his biggest source of income. Although he was initially hesitant about performing at birthday parties and weddings, he soon realized the financial opportunities they provided.
“It’s amazing. There’s a lot of money in that area,” he said.
Recalling the early days of his career, Diljit said that after his debut album was released in 2002, some people approached his company to book him for a birthday party performance. Although she initially had no interest in singing at such events, she accepted the offer as she was under contract. He said he soon realized that album sales alone would not provide financial stability, and getting paid for those performances convinced him that live shows were the way forward.
He said, “I didn’t say no to anyone. If someone offered Rs 5,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 15,000, I said yes. I didn’t say no to anyone. I went everywhere day and night.”
Diljit said that his desire to perform wherever work was available was inspired by his desire to overcome the financial struggles he experienced growing up. He explained that becoming “rich and famous” was not just a dream but a necessity born of his circumstances.
The singer also revealed why he eventually stopped performing at weddings. According to him, some senior artistes in the Punjabi music industry looked down upon those performances and said that he was only suitable for that circuit. Rather than let himself be defined by those comments, Diljit decided to focus on organizing his own concerts.
Recalling his childhood, Diljit said, “Because I came from a poor family. It was like a below average family. If you got sick, you didn’t have money to go to the doctor, so don’t get sick because you don’t have money,” he recalled.
Talking about work front, Diljit was last seen in Imtiaz Ali’s film. i will come backIn which Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina and Sharwari were also there. This film was released in theaters on 12 June.