After the release of Netflix's Amar Singh Chamkila , one thing became clear: Diljit Dosanjh was the perfect pick for the titular role. None of his contemporaries could arguably stand in for the yesteryear singer Chamkila whose songs found a mass appeal – similar to how Dosanjh, as an actor, singer, and internet personality, has come to connect with the masses today. That might explain why the world seems to be celebrating his success at a global stage.
When his song Lover played in Karan Johar's 2023 Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, the audience cheered and hooted like they were at a concert. When he became the first Punjabi artiste to reach Coachella leading to the viral phrase – " Punjabi aa gaye Coachella oye !" (Punjabis have arrived at Coachella!), netizens celebrated it like a personal win. By the time he reached The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon stage, the popstar's appeal was no surprise.
But, for Dosanjh, this global appeal is an opportunity. It all boils down to representation for him – for India and for the people of Punjab – something that he has never shied away from admitting as important to him. After his late-night appearance, Dosanjh told journalist Sucharita Tyagi, " Punjabi mai gaana zaruri hai, jahan jahan main jaun unko Punjabi bolna zaruri hai aur Punjabi dress hona zaruri hai.
Woh bahut zaruri hai kyunki Punjabi ka due tha bahut der se. Sabko sabka due mila par Punjabi ka due pada tha abhi bhi." "It's necessary for me to sing in Punjabi.
Whe.
