Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh is facing backlash just days before his concert in Australia. A video from his recent appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 went viral, showing him touching Amitabh Bachchan’s feet. What looked like a simple act of respect has now turned controversial.
Diljit Dosanjh Accused Of Insulting Victims Of 1984 Sikh Genocide
A pro-Khalistan group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has accused Dosanjh of insulting the victims of the 1984 Sikh genocide. The group has called for his November 1 concert in Australia to be cancelled. The date also marks Sikh Genocide Remembrance Day, which is observed by the Akal Takht Sahib to honour those who lost their lives in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
In a statement, SFJ’s general counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun criticised Dosanjh’s gesture towards Amitabh Bachchan. He said it had “insulted every victim, widow and orphan of the 1984 Sikh Genocide.” The group accused Bachchan of “inciting mobs” during the riots and said that Dosanjh’s act was disrespectful.
SFJ also called Dosanjh’s upcoming concert a “mockery of remembrance.” They said, “Remembrance is not for sale and genocide cannot be normalised for applause.” The group urged Sikh communities and artists worldwide to boycott his show.
They also announced a Panthic Shutdown Rally outside the concert venue in Australia on November 1. SFJ claimed they have written to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, asking him to summon Dosanjh for what they called a “disrespectful act.”
The Akal Takht (the highest Sikh religious authority) officially declared the 1984 killings a “genocide” in 2010. It also announced November 1 as Sikh Genocide Remembrance Day to honour over 30,000 Sikhs who were killed across India.
How Amitabh Bachchan Is Involved In The Controversy
The controversy started after SFJ alleged that Amitabh Bachchan had, on October 31, 1984, made public remarks that encouraged violence following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The group said Dosanjh’s gesture of respect towards him was hurtful and insensitive to the Sikh community.
Diljit Dosanjh has not yet responded to the controversy. The singer is currently on his world tour, with several international concerts lined up through November. Meanwhile, fans are divided. Some believe the gesture was a sign of cultural respect, while others feel it was inappropriate given the history linked to 1984.
