Diljit Dosanjhi reacts only to criticism of speaking about Punjab, not India
Remembering Diljit Dosanjh, it became emotional how he represented Punjab in global programs like Met Gala, saying that it was never about him, but about showing his culture. He also addressed criticism for not speaking about India, “I am Punjabi, what can I say?”
In short
- Diljit Dosanj shared his views about representing Punjab
- He faced criticism to focus on Punjab on India
- The singer said that representing their roots is not a political statement
Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh recently opened his emotional relationship for Punjab. In an interview with BBCHe tore him to tear about representing Punjabi culture globally. He also addressed the criticism that he often encounters a part of those who think that he avoids speaking about India, and only focuses on Punjab. His interview came in the midst of the backlash that he is facing to work with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in India in ‘Sardar G3’, which is scheduled to release abroad on 27 June.
Dosanj expressed his values, and why he wants to represent Punjab around the world. Responding to criticism to represent Punjab, and no, India said, “I don’t want me to do anything for Punjab. I am just doing my work. Whatever is happening is not under my control. I am Punjabi, what can I say?
He said, “These people are people. Everybody has a pawn in a grand plan of things; we are all minions. There is no control over anything in our life. We do not have control over our breath. When someone hates me, I think there is probably anything that is worthy of hate. When I become a better person, when I become a better person, it is probably very good.
He clarified that for him, representing his roots is not a political statement, but a personal truth. Talk to BBC Asian Network, Dosanjh reflected on how he has increased since 2020, calls himself a changed man. To create an adventure appearance in Met Gala, on becoming the first Punjabi artist to perform in Kachela and on ‘The Tonite Show with Jimmy Follen’ – he said that he did not say about his personal milestone, but about putting Punjab on the world map.
He recalled his first appearance in Met Gala 2025, and how everything came together as imagination. “I was sitting in my vanity van when I first thought of wearing a cape with a map of Punjab, and Gurmukhi wrote on it. I cried. I cried when I had a first vision. I wanted to respect my Punjabi culture,” he shared emotionally.
He said, “It is not a big deal to go there. But Punjab is going there, and a turban is being represented, it is very big. I wanted to give the biggest statement on that red carpet. Punjabi language is ancient. It is due to some respect. There is a full story. Diljit Met is not going near Met Gala; Punjab Met is going to Gala.”
He accused the French luxury brand, Cartier of stealing the famous Maharaja of Patiala’s defeat. Dosanjh revealed how he was wearing a replica of necklace after the cartier refused to present him. “I immediately knew that when I go (for Met Gala) I want to look like a king. When I went to the cartier showroom last time I went to the Cartier showroom, I asked him if he would give me the Maharaja of Patiala’s necklace. It was ours, he stole it. They have stolen it. He explained it.
Dosanjh is currently facing heat from various film bodies in India to proceed with the release of a film, with a Pakistani actor. The actor broke his silence in the same interview earlier and shared that it was the decision of the producers to release the film abroad. The actor also highlighted the fact that the film was shot with Hania Way before the initiative from the Pakistan-funded terrorist dress.