Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh's concert was held in the capital city, Delhi, on Friday night, with paaji enthralling the audience with his GOAT tracks. Several videos from the concert have gone viral on social media.
During the concert, Diljit also addressed the controversy surrounding his decision not to participate in the CJP protest during his Aura India Tour concert. When Abhijit Dipke targeted him at the protest for not taking a stand, Diljit had responded, "I'm an artist, bro," asserting that his decision to remain apolitical should not be mistaken for a lack of courage or willingness to stand up for a cause.
Speaking to the audience towards the end of the concert, Diljit referred to the criticism he faced after distancing himself from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led student protest. Emphasising that Punjabis know how to fight for their rights, he told the cheering crowd, "Punjabion ko naa sikhaao kaise ladayiaan ladi jaati hain" (Do not teach Punjabis how to fight battles). He then reiterated his goodwill towards everyone, saying, "I love you all."
The concert concluded with a laser display featuring the captions "Main Hoon Punjab" (I am Punjab) and "I'm an artist".
Diljit had attracted criticism after saying, "I'm an artist, bro," during an Instagram Live session when asked about the CJP student protest. He had explained that his packed Aura Tour schedule meant he was unaware of the developments and maintained that he did not want to get involved in politics. The comment was interpreted by several social media users as an attempt to avoid taking a stand on a politically sensitive issue.
Diljit had also addressed the themes of protest and solidarity through his music video Devil. The video features him at the forefront of a large gathering carrying placards with messages such as "Save Our Future" and "Our Future, Our Fight". The sequence depicts protesters clashing with police before a young girl offers a white rose to an officer, symbolising a call for peace.
The visuals also feature members of the Sikh community among the protesters, echoing the support extended to students during the Jantar Mantar protests. Members of the community had reportedly provided food, shelter, and medical supplies to those participating in the agitation.
Dipke responds
Meanwhile, following Diljit's remarks at the Delhi concert, Abhijeet Dipke took to his social media account and shared a lengthy note addressed to the singer, titled 'To Diljit Paaji'.
In his post, Dipke wrote, "To Diljit Paaji, 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 added, "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 further wrote.
The controversy also brought back memories of the backlash Diljit faced after supporting the farmers' protest. He had spoken about the legal hurdles and criticism he encountered at the time, including being labelled 'anti-national' for expressing solidarity with the farmers.
