Diljit Dosanjh declares stars who indulge in ‘image-manipulation’ are doing the right thing, raises questions about his ‘pure’ persona: ‘I’m always trying to overtake…’

Diljit Dosanjh spoke about the lies and deceit that artists are surrounded by in the world entertainment, and said that he understands those who indulge in such games to get ahead.

By: Entertainment Desk

New Delhi | April 5, 2024 02:01 PM IST

3 min read

Singer Diljit Dosanjh is the first Punjabi singer to perform at the Coachella Music festival. (Photo: Instagram/diljitdosanjh)

Diljit Dosanjh said that contrary to public perception about him being an angelic soul who doesn’t indulge in the hustles associated with the entertainment industry, he’s constantly trying to ‘overtake’ competition. In an interview, Diljit said that he doesn’t begrudge those who indulge in politics to get ahead in the business. “It’s a game,” he said, “It’s fine if people want to play the game.”

Diljit and his Amar Singh Chamkila director Imtiaz Ali spoke to Film Companion about retaining a purity in their lives, and Imtiaz said that with Diljit, what you see is what you get. This, he said, reflects in his performances. “You never feel inauthenticity emanate from him. He will tell you what he believes. It might seem simplistic, he doesn’t intellectualise his process, but that’s who he is,” Imtiaz said.

Also read – Diljit Dosanjh says connection with parents broke when he was 11, family sent him to live with uncle in city without his consent

When he was asked how he retains this purity, ‘in a system which is not about being pure’, a system which is ‘all about projection, manipulation, and image control’, Diljit responded in a mix of Hindi and Punjabi, “You cannot deny that show business is show business. If you’re in this business, you’re well within your rights to go over the top. Whoever is trying to project themselves as someone they’re not, they’re doing the right thing, because that’s what this business demands. It’s a game, and they’re playing it well. If you can’t play this game, maybe look for different career options.”

“But you aren’t,” host Anupama Chopra said to Diljit, who responded without missing a beat, “Naa ji, kyun nahi karte ji? Assi te jitthe jaande aa overtake karan di koshish karde aa (Who said I don’t? I’m always trying to overtake competition). This is my job. And I don’t make bones about it.” But when Diljit was told that he doesn’t have a deceitful energy, he replied, “How many more lies can you spread in this deceptive world.”

Further highlighting his simplicity, Diljit said that he never dreamt of working with the likes of Imtiaz and AR Rahman, and that it would be arrogant of him to start listing down the stalwarts he wants to collaborate with next. He said, “I’ll tell you honestly, and I’m not saying this in jest, never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would work with Imtiaz Ali. Rockstar is very meaningful to me, and I never imagined I’d one day get to work with the man who made that film. Meri thodi koi aukaad hai Imtiaz sir ke saath…”

Also starring Parineeti Chopra, Amar Singh Chamkila is a biopic of the titular slain Punjabi folk singer, who was killed by armed gunmen in Punjab at the age of 27. The movie will be released on Netflix on April 12.

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