Diljit Dosanjh Ludhiana concert: Black marketing of tickets rampant, “action if complaint is received,” says CP

On Tuesday, after ticket sales for the concert went live on Zomato Live at 2 pm, the entire batch sold out within 12–15 minutes. Soon after, social media platforms were flooded with posts offering tickets at inflated prices.

The Ludhiana concert marks the conclusion of Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati tour, which began in Delhi in October. Tickets were available in four categories: Fan Pit (Rs 14,999 each), Gold (Rs 8,999 each), Silver (Rs 4,999 each), and Lounge (Rs 50,000 each).

One resident revealed that Silver tickets originally priced at Rs 4,999 were being sold for Rs 18,000 each. “Gold tickets costing Rs 8,999 are being sold for Rs 20,000, while Lounge tickets priced at Rs 50,000 are being black marketed for Rs 1–2 lakh. Fan Pit tickets are being resold for Rs 35,000–50,000,” he said.

Another resident said, “Tickets on Zomato Live were sold out within minutes. My son was adamant about attending the concert, so I had to purchase two Gold tickets for Rs 20,000 each.”

Activist Kuldeep Singh Khaira said the rampant black marketing of tickets is being conducted openly on social media. “The police and administration should match the ID proof used for booking tickets with the attendees at the venue. This might help curb the illegal practice,” he suggested.

A local resident added, “People are openly posting Instagram and Facebook stories offering tickets at double or triple the price. It seems most buyers purchased tickets just to resell them for profit.”

Police Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal said, “We can take action against the illegal sale of tickets only if we receive a complaint. So far, no complaints have been lodged.”

Reacting to the issue, Dosanjh had earlier addressed the problem at his Indore concert. “This issue of black marketing has been ongoing for years. Is it the artist’s fault if tickets are resold at inflated prices? ‘Dus ka bees’ (buying for 10, selling for 20) has existed since the birth of Indian cinema. The difference now is that singers who genuinely perform are at the forefront. The time of independent music has arrived.”

PAU finalised as concert venue

The Ludhiana district administration has approved the use of Punjab Agricultural University’s (PAU) football ground for the concert. The organisers will pay Rs 20.65 lakh in rent and a refundable security deposit of Rs 3 lakh.

Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal confirmed that organisers have been instructed to adhere to strict conditions. “No liquor can be served as PAU is an educational institution. The organisers must also ensure the campus is cleaned after the event. Arrangements have been made for a crowd of around 50,000 people,” he said.

PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal approved the rental of the football ground. The charges include Rs 9 lakh for the installation period (December 25–30), Rs 2.5 lakh for the event day (December 31), and Rs 4.5 lakh for the dismantling period (January 1–3), with parking charges for December 31 included. The total, including GST, comes to Rs 20.65 lakh.

Diljit’s Ludhiana connection

Diljit Dosanjh has often expressed his fondness for Ludhiana, where he began his music career. Born in Dosanjh Kalan village in Jalandhar, Diljit moved to Ludhiana at age 11 to live with his maternal uncle.

He started singing devotional songs in gurdwaras while attending school and recorded his first album, Ishq Da Uda Ada, in Ludhiana in 2003. During a recent visit to promote Jatt & Juliet 3, he reminisced about his early days and his love for the city’s landmarks, such as Ghanta Ghar and Chaura Bazaar.

“This is the real Ludhiana… mera shehar Ludhiana,” he had said while enjoying roadside kulchey-chholey.