New Delhi: Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has responded to criticism over his decision not to join recent student protests, saying people should not lecture Punjabis about how to fight for a cause. His remarks at a Delhi concert prompted CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke to try to calm the disagreement, saying he still respects and admires the singer.
His comments, made at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on October 30 during the Aura India Tour, reignited a months-old disagreement with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, however, responded by seeking to calm tensions and reaffirming his admiration for the singer.
‘Let Me Stay Quiet’
Addressing the crowd, Dosanjh revisited the backlash that followed his earlier statement distinguishing his role as a performer from political activism.
“I love all of you because I am an artist, bro. I am being quiet, so let me stay quiet. I support all of you. But don’t teach Punjabis how to fight,” he said.
He then turned to the criticism directed at his film centred on human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
“The film you are making fun of on stage, Jaswant Singh Khalra’s film, we fought for that film for a long time,” he added.
Reiterating that his affection extended even to those who had criticised him, Dosanjh said: “Punjabion ko naa sikhaao kaise ladayiaan ladi jaati hain (Do not teach Punjabis how to fight battles).”
A Pointed Film Reference
The mention of Satluj carried obvious significance. The movie, earlier known as Punjab ’95, encountered prolonged obstacles over censorship before finally arriving on ZEE5 Global in July 2026. Days after its release, it was taken down from the platform in India, though it remained accessible to viewers overseas.
Directed by Honey Trehan, the film portrays Khalra’s work documenting alleged enforced disappearances and illegal cremations in Punjab during the militancy years. Khalra was abducted and killed in 1995.
By invoking the project, Dosanjh appeared to argue that choosing not to appear at a particular demonstration could not be equated with silence on injustice or human-rights concerns, as reported by The Statesman.
Dipke Chooses Conciliation
Instead of answering with fresh criticism, Dipke published a message addressed to Dosanjh, acknowledging that the singer’s June comment had affected him.
“Paaji, back in June, when we were protesting, I was a little hurt by your comment,” he wrote.
Dipke explained that his reaction arose from disappointment rather than hostility, saying he had long viewed Dosanjh as someone willing to raise his voice for significant issues.
He also mentioned attending Dosanjh’s concert in Chicago in May, shortly before returning to India.
Dipke lauded the singer’s genuineness, bravery and role in carrying Punjabi music to audiences across the world, adding that his esteem had not diminished.
“But one disagreement or misunderstanding doesn’t change the respect and admiration I have for you,” he wrote.
He concluded with a Punjabi appeal: “Baaki paaji, chhota bhai samajh ke mitti pao,” urging Dosanjh to treat him as a younger brother and move past the disagreement.
How The Rift Began
The friction traces back to June, when CJP held protests over alleged irregularities in examinations and paper leaks. Dosanjh’s absence from those demonstrations drew questions, particularly because of his earlier support for the farmers’ movement and his association with politically charged creative work.
During an Instagram Live session at the time, he clarified that he saw himself as an artist rather than a politician. That explanation did not sit well with some protesters, including Dipke, who felt the singer’s stature and history of advocacy made his support especially meaningful.
The issue resurfaced at Friday’s concert, where Dosanjh defended his stance without directly identifying Dipke or his party in the remarks quoted.
