During a sold-out concert in Kuala Lumpur, Punjabi pop star Diljit Dosanjh paused on stage to address the audience when he noticed the Indian tricolour waving among them. Speaking candidly about nationalism, he reflected on the differences between recent India-Pakistan Asia Cup matches and his film, “Sardaar Ji 3.” “I am with my country, but regarding these matches, there is a tremendous difference. Our film was shot before the Pahalgam attack… They made significant efforts to portray me against the nation,” he remarked. His comments were prompted by the controversy surrounding his film, which co-stars Pakistani actor Hania Aamir and was not released in India. Dosanjh highlighted how culture often becomes a vulnerable target in discussions of national identity and cross-border relations.
Known for his outspoken views, Dosanjh has championed various causes, from supporting farmers during the protests against the farm laws in 2020-21 to showcasing his heritage at the Met Gala this year. His performances reflect themes of identity and belonging; for example, at a Manchester concert last year, he gifted a pair of shoes to a Pakistani fan, stating, “Borders are made by politicians… our music is common.”
In a global landscape where geopolitics can frequently sour relations between neighboring nations, culture and sport hold the potential to foster empathy and reconciliation. These fragile yet invaluable connections must be nurtured, especially during periods of tension. Celebrating shared stories does not undermine patriotism; rather, it can foster a more profound and inclusive sense of national pride.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/at-a-concert-in-malaysia-diljit-dosanjh-reminds-audience-of-the-power-of-culture-to-bring-people-together-10273735/
Category: Editorials,Opinion
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Publish Date: 2025-09-27 07:27:00
