The CJP president says he was hurt by Diljit’s June remark during student protests but insists his admiration for the Punjabi singer remains unchanged. The controversy took a fresh turn after Diljit addressed his critics at a Delhi concert.
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) president Abhijeet Dipke has publicly apologised to Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh following the latter’s remarks at a concert in Delhi on Friday. The singer addressed the criticism surrounding his earlier comments on student protests and defended his film ‘Satluj’, prompting Dipke to offer an olive branch and seek an end to the disagreement.
The exchange has drawn attention to the debate over artists’ public positions on social and political issues, with the controversy tracing back to June, when Diljit faced criticism over his response to protests related to the alleged NEET paper leak.
Diljit Responds to Critics at Delhi Concert
Performing at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday, October 30, as part of his RuPay AURA India Tour 2026, Diljit addressed the criticism he had received after describing himself as an artist when asked about the student protests.
Without directly naming Dipke or the CJP, the singer told the audience:
“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.”
Diljit also responded to the alleged mockery of his film ‘Satluj’, which is based on the life and work of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
“The film you are making fun of on stage, Jaswant Singh Khalra’s film — we fought for that film for a long time,” he said.
The singer’s remarks appeared to address both the criticism of his June statement and the comments made about the film.
Abhijeet Dipke Says He Was Hurt by June Remark
Following Diljit’s comments, Dipke shared a note on Instagram explaining why he had criticised the singer earlier this year.
Addressing him as “Paaji”, Dipke said his disappointment stemmed from the singer’s response during the student protests rather than any personal hostility.
“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've always seen you as someone who speaks up for the cause, just like you said yourself,” Dipke wrote.
The CJP president added that he had always admired Diljit, both for his music and for his contribution to taking Indian and Punjabi culture to an international audience.
Dipke also recalled attending Diljit’s Chicago concert in May, saying his respect for the singer had not changed despite their disagreement.
“One disagreement or misunderstanding doesn't change the respect and admiration I have for you,” he added.
‘Chhota Bhai Samajh Ke Mitti Pao’
In an attempt to end the controversy, Dipke appealed to Diljit to put the disagreement behind them.
Addressing the singer as an elder brother, he wrote:
“Baaki paaji, chhota bhai samajh ke mitti pao.”
The phrase is a Punjabi expression asking someone to forgive and let the matter go.
Dipke also concluded his message with a line from Diljit’s song ‘G.O.A.T.’, further emphasising his admiration for the singer.
His conciliatory response came after Diljit’s concert remarks drew renewed attention to the disagreement, which had remained a subject of discussion on social media.
How the Controversy Began
The disagreement dates back to June, when Diljit was asked about student protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the paper leak controversy.
The singer’s response, “I am just an artist,” drew criticism from several quarters, including Dipke, who questioned why Diljit had not taken a more explicit position on the issue despite his association with socially and politically themed projects.
The criticism also referred to Diljit’s film ‘Satluj’, which centres on Jaswant Singh Khalra’s work highlighting alleged illegal killings and secret cremations in Punjab during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The film, originally titled ‘Panjab ’95’, faced a prolonged censorship process before its brief release on ZEE5 in July 2026. It was subsequently removed from the platform.
Diljit Begins AURA India Tour 2026
Meanwhile, Diljit began his RuPay AURA India Tour 2026 with a sold-out performance at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Friday.
The concert marked the beginning of the India leg of his internationally successful AURA Tour, bringing the singer back to Indian audiences following his global performances.
While the concert was primarily a musical event, Diljit’s remarks on the controversy and Dipke’s subsequent apology have placed the exchange at the centre of public discussion.