Global Punjabi icon Diljit Dosanjh recently opened up about his deep emotional connection to Punjab in a heartfelt interview with BBC, where he was seen tearing up while reflecting on his cultural roots. The interview comes amid mounting criticism for his role in Sardaar Ji 3, which co-stars Pakistani actor Hania Aamir and is set for an overseas release on June 27.
Facing backlash for allegedly ignoring Indian identity in favour of Punjabi pride, Dosanjh made his stance clear. “I don’t want it to seem like I’m doing anything for Punjab. I’m just doing my job. Whatever is happening is not in my control. I am Punjabi, what can I say?” he said candidly.
Addressing critics, he added, “Everyone’s working for themselves. If their work has ripple effects, that’s another thing… I’m a very selfish guy.”
‘Punjab Isn’t Just a Place, It’s a Spirit’: Diljit Reflects on Met Gala, Cultural Identity
Dosanjh, who became the first Punjabi artist to perform at Coachella and appear on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, recalled a defining moment from his Met Gala 2025 debut. Sharing the emotional inspiration behind his look, he said, “I was sitting in my vanity van when I first had the idea of wearing a cape with the map of Punjab on it, and Gurmukhi written on it. I cried.”
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He emphasized that his global appearances were not personal milestones but cultural victories. “Me going there isn’t a big deal. But Punjab going there, and a turban being represented there, that’s huge. Diljit isn’t going to the Met Gala; Punjab is going to the Met Gala,” he said.
Dosanjh also alleged that French luxury brand Cartier refused to lend him the iconic Maharaja of Patiala’s necklace, which he said rightfully belonged to India. “It was ours, they stole it. They promised they’d give it to me, but I was later told that it was at some exhibition somewhere. So we had a replica made,” he stated, revealing how he still chose to pay homage to royal Punjabi heritage.
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On Hania Aamir and ‘Sardaar Ji 3’: ‘Film Was Shot Before Pahalgam Attack’
Amid criticism from Indian film bodies over his collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, Dosanjh clarified that Sardaar Ji 3 was shot well before the recent Pahalgam terror attack by a Pakistan-based outfit. He added that the decision to release the film overseas was taken by the producers, distancing himself from the controversy.
Calling Punjab both “blessed and cursed,” Dosanjh shared his personal journey of growth since 2020, insisting that representing his roots is not a political act, but a reflection of who he truly is. “Punjab is such a wonderful place. It has been through so much, and yet it produces so many talented people,” he said, adding, “Perhaps Punjab is blessed, but perhaps it is also cursed.”
