Punjabi music icon Diljit Dosanjh, currently on the India leg of his acclaimed Dil-Luminati Tour, recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and proposed an ambitious idea: hosting music festivals in India that could surpass the global scale of Coachella.
During the discussion, PM Modi inquired about Diljit's experiences at international music festivals. The artist expressed confidence that India, with its rich and diverse cultural heritage, could create festivals even grander than Coachella, attracting audiences from across the globe.
"Sir, festivals like Coachella are significant, but I believe we have the potential to create something much bigger," Diljit remarked. "People already travel worldwide for such events, and we have the cultural depth to offer something unparalleled."
Diljit also praised the abundant musical talent found across India, recounting his admiration for local artists. "Our culture is so rich. Even in a small dhaba, you might hear a Rajasthani singer whose voice is so melodious, I feel like stopping my own performances. This person may not even sing professionally, yet their talent is extraordinary," he said.
The musician emphasised that fostering such cultural talent through large-scale festivals could attract global attention and celebrate India's artistic heritage on an international stage.
PM Modi welcomed Diljit’s vision, sharing his own thoughts on positioning India as a global center for creativity. "For many years, I’ve envisioned uniting the creative industries of the world here in India," the Prime Minister stated. "Our country produces the most films in the world, and we have the largest creative industry globally. India can become the epicenter of the world’s creative endeavors."
The Prime Minister also recalled an interaction with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, where he highlighted India’s unique relationship with music. "I explained to her how our music changes with the time of day - different before and after sunrise. We even have specific music for joy, sadness, and every situation imaginable. She was fascinated by this cultural richness," he recounted.
Diljit’s Dil-Luminati Tour has been a massive success, captivating audiences across India. Starting in October in Delhi, the tour concluded with a grand finale in Ludhiana on December 31.