Attempts to stop show, Dosanjhwala has arrived: Diljit addresses concert hurdles

Diljit Dosanjh said attempts had been made to stop his October 30 concert at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, but assured fans that he would remain in India until December 20 and perform all his remaining shows. The concert went ahead after uncertainty over police permission and security arrangements.

During the two-hour-and-20-minute performance, the actor-singer thanked fans and security personnel, addressed criticism of his earlier “I’m an artist, bro” remark and performed old and recent songs. The show featured pyrotechnics, lasers, synchronised light bands and a drone display.

“I want to let you all know that Dosanjhwala has arrived in India. This was our first show, and there were many attempts to stop it. But I am here in India until December 20. We will perform all the remaining shows before leaving,” Dosanjh told the audience.

After the concert, he shared glimpses of the performance on social media. In an Instagram Live session that was later posted on his main profile, he wrote, “Spread the love, folks! Dosanjhwala has hit the big time in Delhi. Just sit back and wonder, how did this happen? Love my fans!”

Referring to those whom he believed had tried to prevent the concert, Dosanjh said, “I even had a direct word with God about this! I spoke to Him over the phone. I told Him, ‘There’s a show coming up...’ Some people really tried hard to make sure the show wouldn’t happen!”

He also joked about hoping the rain would stay away during the performance. “May God hold back the rain for three to four hours. Love my fans! I don’t bother responding to what many people say because I don’t consider them worth my time. Don’t you worry, we’re going to absolutely crush it,” he said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh)Permission granted after discussions

Delhi Police had initially denied permission for the October 30 concert, citing specific threat-related inputs and security and law-and-order commitments during the festive season. The decision caused concern among fans who had already booked tickets.

Organisers BookMyShow Live subsequently held discussions with the police and submitted additional plans covering safety, traffic management and crowd control. The decision was reconsidered and permission was granted, allowing the concert to proceed.

The show was originally scheduled to begin at 4 pm, but Dosanjh later asked fans on social media to reach the venue at 6.30 pm. Rain and logistical problems caused further delays, and the performance began at around 7.40 pm.Highlights from the show

During the concert, Dosanjh paused his performance and asked the audience to applaud the security personnel at the venue. As the crowd cheered, he saluted them and said, “If you were not here, we wouldn’t feel safe.”

He then invited a woman CRPF officer onto the stage and affectionately placed his hand on her head. “I get to meet my mother once or twice a year. But when you were standing there, I thought my mother was standing there,” he told her.

Recalling a conversation with his mother earlier that day, Dosanjh said, “Today, my mother called me. She said, ‘Take care of yourself.’ I said, ‘Good things will happen, don’t worry.’ Looking at you today, I thought it was my mother who was standing with me.”

In the caption accompanying his post, Dosanjh thanked Delhi fans, Delhi Police, the CRPF, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and BookMyShow Live. He ended the message with repeated expressions of love.

Dosanjh also responded to criticism of his “I’m an artist, bro” comment, which he had made while initially declining to comment on the CJP-led student protest. Some social media users interpreted the remark as an attempt to distance himself from a politically sensitive issue and argued that a public figure of his stature had a responsibility to speak up.

Referring to his earlier statement that he was an artiste and not a politician, Dosanjh said no one understood better than a Punjabi how to stand up for a cause. “Don’t teach Punjabis how to fight battles. The film you stood on stage and mocked — Jaswant Singh Khalra Ji’s film — we fought for a very long time for that film. I stay quiet, I love everyone. If someone hates us, no problem. From our side, it’s only love for everyone!” he said.

He reiterated his goodwill towards everyone, telling the audience, “I love you all.”

Dosanjh interacted with the audience throughout the show. He accepted gifts, posed for photographs and encouraged fans to sing along. He also handed out return gifts from boxes kept ready by his team for those invited onto the stage. The audience included children under 10 as well as adult fans.

He repeatedly acknowledged listeners who had followed his work since the early 2000s. Before performing some lesser-known tracks, he said, “These songs are for my old fans. The new ones might not know them.” His older songs received cheers similar to those for his recent hits.

Inside the stadium, Dosanjh greeted the crowd with his familiar call, Panjabi Aa Gaye Oye! The phrase also appeared during the drone show.- EndsALSO READ | Diljit Dosanjh's Delhi concert had rain, long queues and one hell of a show