Mumbai: Diljit Dosanjh was recently performing in Canada during his Aura Tour when he paused the concert midway after noticing some people in the audience waving pro-Khalistan flags.
Addressing the crowd, Diljit said that he has always spoken about Punjab whenever he gets the opportunity, adding that it is not his responsibility to do charity work.
Videos circulating online also show sections of the audience holding up pro-Khalistan flags, which reportedly prompted the singer-actor to stop and respond.
Addressing the criticism, Diljit said, “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 Kaun Banega Crorepati) for the sake of Punjab. I put forth Punjab’s issues there. I’ve even donated generously to my state whenever needed.”
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In 2025, Diljit appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati and donated his winnings to support the victims of Punjab floods.
Talking about his appearance on The Tonight Show by Jimmy Fallon, he said, “I even went on Jimmy Fallon’s show to talk about Punjab and the Guru Nanak Jahaz incident. I didn’t go there to promote any film or song. I went there to bring Punjab and its issues to light so the national media would cover them. If you still have an issue that I sat across someone on television… jinne jhande dikhane dilkhai challo (then keep waving how many flags you want to).”
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During the episode, host Amitabh praised Diljit, calling him ‘Punjab da puttar’ for his relief efforts during the floods.
Reports later claimed that Diljit received threats from the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) following the broadcast.
According to NDTV, SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun alleged that Diljit had “insulted” victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence by touching Amitabh’s feet.
The group further claimed that on October 31, 1984, Amitabh had incited mobs with the slogan “Khoon Ka Badla Khoon.”
However, the veteran actor had denied those allegations at the time.
Following the episode, SFJ reportedly threatened to disrupt Diljit’s concerts. The singer-actor, however, responded by advocating for peace.
“I will always keep talking about love. For me, this Earth is one. My Guru says, ‘Ik Onkar.’ I was born from this earth, I got my life from this land and one day I will return to this soil. So, there is only love from my side for everyone, even if someone gets jealous of me or trolls me. I will always spread the message of love. I have always done so. I don’t care how anyone feels about it,” he said.
On Jimmy Fallon’s show, Diljit spoke about the Komagata Maru incident, when Indians, including Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims, were denied entry into Canada despite being British subjects.
