Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has opened up about the backlash he had faced for supporting the farmers' protest, further recalling how he has already been labelled "anti-national" and has dealt with legal troubles for speaking his mind. Taking to his social media account, Diljit shared a note extending support to protesting students while urging authorities to listen to their demands.
He wrote in Punjabi, "Aj Jo hoyea Baut Maada Hoyea.. Students Naal Edan Treat Nhi Hona Chaida c.. Mai Authorities Nu Request Karda Ke Students Dian Demands Nu sunn Leya Javey.. Lokan Di Avaaz Rab Di Avaaz Hundi Aa..” (What happened today was very unfortunate.
Students should not have been treated this way. I request the authorities to listen to the students' demands. The voice of the people is the voice of God) He added, "Mere Te Already Anti Nationalist Da Tag Baut Vaar Lagg Chuka.. Hun V Mainu Anti-nationalist Keha Jaega.
After Kisan Protest.. I faced a Lot of Backlash & Legal Problems which I can't Even Discuss.. BAKI RAB SAB DEKH REHA, BABA BHALI KARU." (I have already been labelled an anti-national many times. Even now, I will probably be called anti-national. After the farmers' protest, I faced a lot of backlash and legal problems that I cannot even discuss.
The rest is in God's hands. May Baba bless everyone) Diljit's remarks come in the wake of the ongoing student protests, with the actor appealing for dialogue instead of confrontation. The actor expressed solidarity with the students, and acknowledged that taking a public stand on important yet controversial issues often invites criticism.
For the uninitiated, the singer's reference to the farmers' protest goes back to the nationwide agitation against the three farm laws introduced by the Central government in 2020. During the agitation, he was involved in a heated social media exchange with actor Kangana Ranaut over the protests. Diljit had also stated at the time that his support was for the farmers and not for any political agenda.