Abhijeet Dipke apologises to Diljit Dosanjh after singer’s remarks at Delhi concert

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke has publicly apologised to singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh for criticising him over his silence on the student protests in Delhi following the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. The apology came after Dosanjh addressed the controversy during his concert at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Friday evening.

Without directly naming Dipke or his political outfit, Dosanjh responded to the criticism, saying that nobody should teach Punjabis how to fight. He also expressed disappointment over the mockery of his film Satluj, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.

Following the singer’s remarks, Dipke took to Instagram to apologise, asking Dosanjh to forgive him and saying he should be treated like a younger brother.

What did Diljit Dosanjh say at his Delhi concert?

During his performance, Dosanjh addressed the backlash he faced after responding to a fan’s question about the NEET paper leak protests with the remark, “I am just an artist.”

His response had drawn criticism, including from Dipke, who accused the singer of hypocrisy for not supporting the student protests despite starring in politically charged films such as Satluj.

Addressing the audience at the Delhi concert, Dosanjh said, “I love all of you because I am an artist, bro. I am being quiet, so let me stay quiet. I support all of you. But don’t teach Punjabis how to fight.”

Referring to the criticism of his film, he added, “The film you are making fun of on stage, Jaswant Singh Khalra’s film — we fought for that film for a long time. I love all of you. If someone hates us, it’s okay. But I love all of you.”

His remarks prompted a response from Dipke, who subsequently issued a public apology.

Abhijeet Dipke says ‘chhota bhai samajh ke mitti pao’

In an Instagram post, Dipke acknowledged that he had been hurt by Dosanjh’s earlier comments during the NEET protests but clarified that his criticism was not rooted in any personal animosity.

“Paaji, back in June, when we were protesting, I was a little hurt by your comment. Not because I had anything against you personally, but because I have always seen you as someone who speaks up for the cause, just like you said yourself,” he wrote.

Dipke said he had always admired the singer and continued to listen to his music. He also recalled attending Dosanjh’s concert in Chicago in May, shortly before returning to India.

He further praised Dosanjh’s courage, authenticity and contribution to taking Indian music and culture to the global stage while remaining connected to his roots.

“I guess that’s why the comment hurt a little, because I have always held you in such high regard. But one disagreement or misunderstanding doesn’t change the respect and admiration I have for you,” Dipke added.

Concluding his message on a conciliatory note, he wrote, “Baaki paaji, Chhota bhai samjh ke mitti pao.”

He also signed off with a line from Dosanjh’s song: “Gabru ta vairi nu vi mitha bolda, ni tu ta ferr jatt da pyar goriye.”

What is the Abhijeet Dipke-Diljit Dosanjh controversy about?

The disagreement dates back to June, when Dosanjh faced questions about whether he would join the protests at Jantar Mantar over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.

During an Instagram Live session, a fan asked the singer whether he would participate in the demonstrations. Responding to the question, Dosanjh said, “Keep me away from all this. Bro, I’m an artist. I’m no politician, I don’t know what you think I am.”

He also quoted a verse from the Guru Granth Sahib: “Nanak dukhiya sab sansar, so sukhiya jis naam aadhaara.”

Explaining his response, he said, “Look, everything in this world can never be right. So, those who are protesting, congratulations to them, and for whom the protest is happening, congratulations to them also, as I don’t know anything.”

His comments attracted criticism from several quarters, with some drawing comparisons with his public support for farmers during the 2020 farmers’ agitation against the now-repealed farm laws.

Dipke was among those who questioned the singer’s response, particularly in light of his association with films addressing politically and socially sensitive subjects.

What is Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj about?

Satluj is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who brought attention to allegations of illegal killings and secret cremations in Punjab during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The film reportedly took nearly three years to reach its release, amid claims that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had refused to certify it.

It was briefly made available on ZEE5 before being taken down within two days. The government reportedly cited national security concerns, stating that the film could potentially be misused by hostile elements.

The film also became a point of contention in the exchange between Dosanjh and his critics, with the singer referring to the efforts that went into making it during his Delhi concert.