NEW DELHI: The denial of permission for Diljit Dosanjh’s October 30 concert in Delhi has put the spotlight on a singer whose live performances have repeatedly spilled beyond the stage, from his warning that he would stop performing in India until concert infrastructure improved to political and religious controversies surrounding his shows.Delhi Police on Thursday denied permission for the concert at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, citing security concerns and the festive season.The show was scheduled to kick off the India leg of Dosanjh’s Aura Tour, which is set to cover seven cities. AAP’s Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the decision, saying Indian youth love the singer and describing him as a Punjab icon after Daler Mehndi.But the Delhi setback comes against the backdrop of a series of episodes that have made Dosanjh’s concerts as much a talking point as his music.
Canada concert interrupted over pro-Khalistan flags
Dosanjh’s international performances have also drawn scrutiny over political and religious issues. During a concert in Calgary, Canada, in October last year, the singer briefly halted his performance after noticing some audience members waving pro-Khalistan flags.In videos circulating online, he responded to criticism over his appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), saying he had used platforms to raise issues concerning Punjab. Dosanjh had appeared on the show in 2025 and donated his earnings towards Punjab flood relief.“My job is not to do charity. But whichever platform I go on, I always talk about Punjab,” he said, adding that he had spoken about Punjab’s issues on KBC and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.He also referred to his appearance on the US talk show, where he recalled the Komagata Maru incident. The ship had carried 376 passengers from Punjab, of whom only 24 were allowed entry into Canada.Dosanjh said he had gone on the show to bring Punjab and its issues to a wider audience, rather than to promote a film or song.
When Diljit threatened to stop performing in India
During his Dil-Luminati tour, Dosanjh announced that he would not perform in India until the country’s live-show infrastructure improved. The announcement followed his Chandigarh concert, where fans climbed trees to catch a glimpse of the performance.“I want to tell the designated authorities that India does not have the infrastructure for live shows. This is a big revenue generating space. It also gives livelihood to many. Please focus on this space as well,” he said.Dosanjh also suggested changes to the stage arrangement to improve the concert experience, saying he would try to set up a stage in the middle, with the crowd distributed around it.“I will not perform shows here until things improve here. Instead of troubling us, improve the infrastructure,” he said.The concerts had also drawn criticism over ticket prices, with some blaming Dosanjh for the black marketing of tickets. He denied any link with black marketers.
Amitabh Bachchan gesture triggers boycott call
Another controversy emerged after Dosanjh was seen touching actor Amitabh Bachchan’s feet. Pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) criticised the gesture and announced plans to oppose Dosanjh’s scheduled concert in Australia on November 1 last year, coinciding with Sikh Genocide Remembrance Day.SFJ general counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun accused Bachchan of having publicly incited violence against Sikhs in 1984.The group urged Sikh organisations and artists to boycott Dosanjh’s concert, describing it as inappropriate during a period of remembrance.The allegations and boycott call were made by the organisation; they did not amount to an announcement that Dosanjh’s concert had been cancelled.
Manager’s house firing claim sparks political slugfest
In May, reports of shots allegedly being fired outside the Karnal residence of Dosanjh’s manager, Gurpartap Singh Kang, triggered a political exchange in Punjab.A social media post linked to aides of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi purportedly claimed responsibility for the alleged firing.Haryana Police said it had received no complaint from Kang or his family, and that nothing had been recovered from the spot during a preliminary visit. Police said the claim was being investigated.Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann alleged that Kang had been targeted because Dosanjh had declined an offer to enter politics with the BJP.The BJP rejected the allegations, with Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar hitting back at the AAP government over its handling of law and order.Dosanjh had separately made clear that he did not intend to enter politics, saying he was happy working in entertainment.
Delhi show was to launch the Aura India Tour
The Delhi concert was originally announced for November 1 but was later moved up to October 30.The India leg of the Aura Tour was scheduled to travel from Delhi to Indore, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Chandigarh, with the Chandigarh date yet to be announced.With Delhi Police now denying permission for the opening show, the immediate question is what the decision means for the tour’s start.(With agency inputs)
