Diljit Dosanjh, the acclaimed Punjabi singer and actor, has set his sights on propelling Punjabi music to international prominence.
Fresh off a sold-out performance at Toronto’s Rogers Centre as part of his Dil-Luminati Tour, Dosanjh received a notable visit from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This event underscores Toronto's special significance for Dosanjh, who has often expressed his deep connection with the city, largely due to its vibrant Punjabi community.
In a recent interview with Omni Television just before his electrifying performance, Dosanjh reflected on the importance of Toronto in his career. “Toronto is special. When I flew out to India for the first time, I came to Toronto. The audience here is very special,” he shared.
Despite initially apologizing for his "broken English," Dosanjh's sincerity and accent won over fans. He emphasized his commitment to spreading messages of love and peace through his music, highlighting Toronto’s unwavering support for his work.
Diljit is fervent about promoting Punjabi music on a global scale. He believes that the unique sound and rich cultural heritage of Punjabi music have universal appeal. By performing at major venues and collaborating with international artists, he aims to introduce Punjabi music to a wider audience. His mission extends beyond entertainment; it’s about cultural representation and pride.
“I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. There is Latin music, Afro music, and now it is time for Punjabi music. Every artist is working hard, but in my opinion, it is time for Punjabi music to rise. I want Punjabis to be on every top global stage. I may not be the greatest artist, but God has been kind to me, and I will strive to bring Punjabi and Punjabi music to every important stage internationally. My English may be poor, but I am determined to fulfill this wish,” Diljit passionately stated.
Reflecting on his success, Dosanjh humbly attributed his sold-out concerts to divine intervention. “A sold-out concert is in God’s hands, not mine. I am just doing my work, and it is all in God’s hands. With God’s grace, everything is going well,” he said. Before concluding, he taught the interviewer his slogan, “Punjabi aa gaye oye!”
The concert saw a surprise appearance by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who shared a picture on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “Stopped by the Rogers Centre to wish @diljitdosanjh good luck before his show. Canada is a great country — one where a guy from Punjab can make history and sell out stadiums. Diversity isn’t just our strength. It’s a superpower.”