Diljit stops Canada show, confronts pro-Khalistanis: Jinne jhande dikhane...
Diljit Dosanjh paused his concert in Calgary, Canada, to address pro-Khalistani protesters waving flags during his show. The singer asked those disrupting the show to leave the act aside.
Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh briefly halted his performance during his ongoing Aura Tour in Calgary, Canada, after members of the audience were seen waving pro-Khalistan flags. Videos from the concert have since gone viral.
On noticing the flags, Dosanjh stopped the show mid-performance and asked those involved to leave the act aside. He also directed the organisers to remove the individuals from the venue. The flags being waved are associated with a banned organisation under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
DILJIT FUMES AT KHALISTANIS
Responding on stage, Dosanjh said he has consistently used every platform to highlight Punjab's issues and rejected criticism over his appearance on the television quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati last year. He said his intent was to represent Punjab, not personal promotion.
"My job is not to do charity. But whichever platform I go on, I always talk about Punjab. We often say the national media doesn’t talk about Punjab enough. I went everywhere, including on that channel (Sony Entertainment Television for KBC) for the sake of Punjab. I put forth Punjab’s issues there. I’ve even donated generously to my state whenever needed," the singer said.
"If you still have an issue that I sat across someone on television, jinne jhande dikhane dikhai challo (then keep waving how many flags you want to)," he added.
The moment drew loud reactions from the audience and was widely circulated online.
Separately, Dosanjh also addressed criticism linked to his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, saying his participation was aimed at bringing global attention to Punjab rather than self-promotion. The interaction was also met with cheers from the crowd.
THE JIMMY FALLON SHOW ROW
During the show, he referred to the 1914 Komagata Maru incident, linking it to his concert in Vancouver, where he recently drew a large audience at BC Place Stadium. He pointed out the historical significance of the site, noting its proximity to the location associated with the incident in which Indian migrants were denied entry into Canada.
He said the contrast between that history and today’s gatherings reflected how times have changed.
Dosanjh began his Aura Tour at the Vancouver venue on April 23, returning there two years after what Billboard Canada described as one of the largest Punjabi music concerts held outside India. He said over 50,000 people attended the show.
On the work front, Dosanjh is set to appear in Main Vaapas Aaunga, directed by Imtiaz Ali. The film, also featuring Sharvari and Vedang Raina, is scheduled for theatrical release on June 12.