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Diljit Dosanjh

Melbourne, Australia – November 2, 2025: Renowned Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has defiantly proceeded with his international tour, shrugging off a direct threat from US-based Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

The controversy erupted over Dosanjh’s recent appearance on the Indian television show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17, where he paid respects to host Amitabh Bachchan, a gesture that Pannun condemned as an insult to victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The episode, which aired on October 31, featured a promotional clip that quickly went viral across social media platforms.

In the footage, Dosanjh is seen touching Bachchan’s feet in a traditional sign of reverence and embracing him warmly.

Bachchan responded with a smile, affectionately referring to Dosanjh as “Punjab da puttar” (son of Punjab).

While the interaction was praised by many for embodying cultural humility and cross-regional unity, it drew sharp criticism from Pannun, the head of the banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).

Pannun, designated as an individual terrorist by India’s Union Home Ministry in 2020, issued a public statement on October 31 calling for Dosanjh to cancel his scheduled concert in Melbourne on November 1.

He accused the artist of betraying the Sikh community by honoring Bachchan, whom Pannun alleges incited violence during the 1984 riots.

“By touching the feet of Amitabh Bachchan, whose words fanned the flames of the 1984 riots, Diljit Dosanjh has insulted every victim, every widow, and every orphan,” Pannun stated.

He further described the act as a deliberate “betrayal,” emphasizing that November 1, marking the height of the riots’ violence, should be observed as a day of mourning, not celebration.

Pannun urged a “shutdown” of the event, warning that no true Sikh could perform on such a date with a clear conscience.

The 1984 anti-Sikh riots followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.

In the ensuing days, organized mobs targeted Sikh neighborhoods in Delhi and other cities, leading to an estimated 3,000 deaths, thousands of injuries, and widespread displacement.

Bachchan, a longtime associate of the Gandhi family, has faced persistent allegations of fueling the unrest through purported inflammatory remarks, including claims that he shouted “Khoon ka badla khoon” (blood for blood) during a public appearance.

These accusations prompted a 2014 lawsuit in a US federal court, where Bachchan was summoned for his alleged role in what plaintiffs described as a “genocide.”

However, Bachchan has repeatedly denied the claims, asserting in a 2011 letter to the Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal authority, that he never made such statements and expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy.

SFJ

SFJ, founded by Pannun in 2007, advocates for an independent Sikh state of Khalistan through non-binding global referendums and has been proscribed in India since 2019 for promoting secessionism.

Pannun’s activities have attracted international attention, including a 2023 US Justice Department indictment alleging an Indian government-linked plot to assassinate him on American soil.

This claim has strained diplomatic ties between Washington and New Delhi.

In a subtle yet pointed response, Dosanjh addressed the backlash via an Instagram Story on October 31, without directly naming Pannun or SFJ.

He clarified that his KBC appearance was not for promoting films or music but to raise national awareness about flood relief efforts in Punjab.

“I did not go there for any film promotion or song promotion. I went for Punjab’s floods so that it could be discussed at a national level and people could donate,” he wrote.

Dosanjh followed up with additional posts promoting themes of love and unity, stating, “This earth is one, I will always choose love,” and “only love from me.”

During the episode, he also shared personal anecdotes about his modest upbringing, noting his father’s job as a bus ticket checker and how financial hardships led him to begin performing at local events.

Aura Tour

Despite the threats, which prompted heightened security concerns, including increased protection for Bachchan, Dosanjh’s Aura Tour concert at Melbourne’s AAMI Park on November 1 went ahead as planned, drawing a capacity crowd.

The event marked a significant milestone, with Dosanjh becoming the first Indian artist to sell out a stadium show in Sydney earlier in the tour.

Reports indicate that over 3,000 attendees attended the Melbourne performance, with premium tickets selling for up to 800 Australian dollars (approximately ₹44,000).

Fan-shared videos on social media captured the high-energy atmosphere, featuring Dosanjh’s signature blend of Punjabi folk, bhangra, and contemporary hits, with no disruptions reported.

The incident has sparked broader discussions on artistic freedom, historical grievances, and the influence of separatist groups abroad.

While some segments of the Sikh diaspora echoed Pannun’s sentiments, a majority of fans and public figures rallied behind Dosanjh, condemning the threats as an infringement on cultural expression.

Indian authorities have not issued an official statement on the matter, but similar past incidents involving SFJ have led to diplomatic interventions.

Dosanjh, who rose to fame with albums like GOAT and films such as Jatt & Juliet, continues his tour across Australia and New Zealand, solidifying his status as a global ambassador for Punjabi culture.

As of now, he has not commented further on the controversy, allowing his music and messages of positivity to take center stage.