New Delhi: Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier remarks on student protests, delivering a pointed message to his critics during his Delhi concert. His statement, “Don’t teach Punjabis how to fight”, has since drawn attention, with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke responding with a conciliatory message expressing his continued admiration for the singer.
The exchange took place during Diljit's performance at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on October 30, as part of his Aura India Tour 2026. Taking a brief pause from his musical performance, the singer revisited the controversy over his earlier comment, “I'm an artist, bro.”
“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,” Diljit told the audience. He also referred to criticism of his film Satluj, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, saying his team had fought for years to bring the film to audiences.
The disagreement dates back to June, when Diljit was reportedly asked during an Instagram Live session about the student protests organised by CJP in Delhi over the NEET paper leak and examination-related concerns. The singer distanced himself from the political agitation, saying he was an artist and not a politician.
His response disappointed Dipke, who questioned why someone known for supporting causes through his work would remain distant from the students' movement. The disagreement also brought renewed attention to Diljit's earlier public support for the farmers' protests.
Following the Delhi concert, Dipke took to Instagram to address the singer directly. He admitted that Diljit's June remarks had hurt him, not because of any personal disagreement, but because he had always admired the singer and expected him to speak up for public causes.
Dipke also recalled attending Diljit's concert in Chicago in May and praised his courage, authenticity and contribution to taking Punjabi music onto the global stage. He stressed that one disagreement would not change his respect for the artist.
Ending his message on a friendly note, Dipke wrote, “Baaki paaji, chhota bhai samajh ke mitti pao,” urging Diljit to consider him a younger brother and let the matter rest.
The episode has brought the debate over an artist's responsibility towards social and political issues back into public discussion, highlighting the difference between artistic expression and personal political engagement.
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