Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has found himself at the center of controversy after a Khalistani outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), issued threats against him for touching Amitabh Bachchan’s feet during a recent appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17. The moment, which aired on television and quickly went viral across social media, was seen by millions as a simple gesture of respect—an act deeply rooted in Indian tradition. However, the SFJ interpreted it differently, accusing Dosanjh of disrespecting the memory of the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
The SFJ, led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, released a video statement claiming that by bowing before Amitabh Bachchan, Dosanjh had “insulted every widow and orphan of the 1984 Sikh genocide.” The group alleged that Bachchan, at the time of the riots, had supported anti-Sikh slogans on television—a claim that remains unverified and widely disputed. The Khalistani group further announced plans to disrupt Dosanjh’s upcoming concert in Australia on November 1, which coincides with what the Akal Takht Sahib has declared as “Sikh Genocide Remembrance Day.” They accused the singer of attempting to “mock” the day of remembrance by performing instead of showing solidarity.
According to reports from India Today, The Economic Times, and Free Press Journal, SFJ has warned of a shutdown of Dosanjh’s concert unless he issues a public apology and distances himself from Bachchan. The group also appealed to Sikh organizations and the Punjabi diaspora to boycott Dosanjh’s shows and collaborations, claiming that the singer’s actions were against Sikh sentiment. Their threats have drawn sharp criticism from fans and several public figures who emphasized that showing respect to elders is a cultural practice and should not be politicized.
So far, Diljit Dosanjh has not publicly responded to the controversy or the threats. Sources close to his management have stated that the artist intends to continue with his concert schedule as planned. Security agencies in Australia have been alerted about the potential protest activity, and additional precautions are reportedly being arranged to ensure the safety of the audience and performers during the event.
This episode underscores how a seemingly innocent act can take on political overtones in the context of historical grievances. The Khalistani movement, long advocating for a separate Sikh homeland, continues to leverage cultural and celebrity incidents to promote its agenda abroad. For Dosanjh, one of India’s most popular global entertainers, the situation is a reminder of how artists often become entangled in broader socio-political narratives despite their intentions being purely personal or cultural.
The controversy also reflects the deep sensitivities surrounding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, an event that continues to influence Sikh political identity worldwide. While India has moved forward with reconciliation and justice efforts, diaspora groups like SFJ often revive these memories to push separatist ideologies. As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Dosanjh will issue a statement or choose to rise above the political noise, continuing to represent his art and culture on the world stage.