(Diljit Dosanjh has been nominated for the 2025 International Emmy Awards in the Best Performance by an Actor category for his film Amar Singh Chamkila. This longform piece has been republished from The Quint's archives in light of the recent nomination.)
"Dosanjhan aala naam dilaan utte likheya,
Khaasa jor lag ju mitaun vaaste,
Paise-poose baare billo soche duniya,
Jatt paida hoya bas chhaun vaaste"
(The name ‘Dosanjh’ is written on people’s hearts, it requires a lot of strength to erase it. Money may be the primary concern of the world, but I am born to shine.)
There's no stopping Diljit Dosanjh. Despite not being released in India, his latest film Sardaar Ji 3 starring Pakistani actor Hania Aamir was a commercial success. The success is mainly due to a strong showing overseas and a record-breaking opening in Pakistan.
He's also got support from different sides of the political spectrum amid right-wing calls for a life ban on him as well as the censoring of Punjab 95, where he plays human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
And finally, Toronto Metropolitan University has announced a course dedicated to Diljit Dosanjh, his influence on music, culture and the South Asian diaspora.
So why does such a phenomenally successful artist face such hate?