Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh addresses the controversy surrounding Satluj during his Delhi performance (Img: Instagram : @diljitdosanjh)
New Delhi: Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh responded to criticism surrounding his comments on student protests and his film Satluj during a concert in New Delhi. Addressing the audience at the opening show of his Aura India Tour 2026 on Friday, October 30, the singer defended his decision to remain silent on certain issues and spoke about the criticism directed at his film.
During the concert, Diljit revisited his earlier statement, “I'm just an artist,” which had attracted criticism amid protests over the alleged NEET examination paper leak.
The remark came after a fan asked him to share his views on the student protests. His response drew reactions from several critics, including members of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), who questioned his position on political and social issues.
Without directly naming the group, Diljit addressed the controversy on stage, saying, “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 also responded to the criticism surrounding Satluj, which is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Khalra investigated alleged illegal killings and secret cremations in Punjab during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Addressing those mocking the film, Diljit said that the team had struggled for years to bring the project to audiences.
He added that criticism and differences of opinion would not change his affection for people, stating that he continued to love everyone, even those who disliked him.
Originally titled Punjab 95, the film faced prolonged delays due to censorship related issues. Directed by Honey Trehan, it was eventually released on ZEE5 on July 3 but was removed from the platform within two days.
Its removal sparked criticism from free-speech advocates and renewed discussions about censorship and the representation of politically sensitive subjects in Indian cinema.
