New Delhi: This is not just any review of a live event that kept Delhi under a spell on a nippy Saturday evening; it is an assessment of why close to 1 lakh people spent a lot of their money and effort to assemble at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to watch Diljit Dosanjh perform his hits on stage! The same numbers that they must have heard time and again, on a loop, even a remix version of the original but fans thronged the grand stadium to just get a glimpse of their ‘veere’ (brother in Punjabi). “He is a phenomena, not just anyone…” yelled out someone from the sea of crowd… Word!
So, what makes Diljit the ‘phenomenon’ among hundreds of other talented singers in this part of the world? Ten minutes into the concert and this author knew why. He is the walking-talking-dancing description of a complete package. There’s humour, kindness, simplicity, discipline, astute PR skills, and of course there’s talent.
No wonder Dosanjh’s fan pit at the event on Saturday was an eclectic mix of millennials, GenZ, Gen Y, boomers and beyond. Even Travis Scott or Taylor Swift cannot match the audience range that Dosanjh commands today. And, it’s not just the numbers but the range that does the trick for this Punjabi Munda.
India’s “pop export” with Punjabi roots
His popularity traverses boundaries and that is what makes Dosanjh more likeable than other pop stars of his generation. Apart from being the only Indian to ever make it to an international Billboard cover (he has just made news in Canada), Dosanjh has ensured that while wooing his audience is key, the singer also keeps a close watch on the charts.
His songs and albums have consistently featured in Billboard Charts, GOAT even managed the top rank in 2020! And when he is not enthralling the audience with his cover releases, Dosanjh adorns the role of the concert maverick with ease. His shows have run to full houses in Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and Canada. He has also made waves at the Coachella (the only Indian to do so).
His savvy use of the global stage is also commendable. Be it via his envious international collaborations, including ones with artists like American rapper Saweetie, Australian singer Sia or even English songwriter Ed Sheeran or his subtle humour that he carries on stage.
It’s not just music, Dosanjh can as easily act! He is a superstar in Punjabi film industry having performed many versatile roles; Dosanjh is also a household name in Bollywood with commercial hits like Good News, and critically acclaimed roles like Amar Singh Chamkila, in his repertoire.
There’s little doubt that his star power is rising leaps and bounds not just in India but even amongst diaspora. While his style is known to be different, there are other factors that contribute towards making him an endearing character.
Boy-next door imagery, wearing Punjabiyat on sleeves
What really makes him the pop star for generations is that he has maintained a sombre style, opting to wear his Punjabiyat in his sleeves while everyone else is in a hurry to shed their “desi tag”. Dosanjh was quick to understand that is his this connect with the roots that will go a long way in differentiating him from the hordes of other talented stars being manufactured in India today.
Even in the ongoing Dil Luminati concert that Dosanjh is performing at, he managed to draw attention towards his music sure but also to himself as a musician with a heart. Be it giving away his favourite jacket to someone in the crowd who was celebrating her birthday; to calling upon a young boy who was dressed like him on to the stage, Dosanjh goes beyond the script and perhaps that is the differentiator.
Kudos to his PR team to have helped him sustain this grounded approach when stars are constantly trying to do things to stay in the news and stay relevant. Not Dosanjh.
The fact that he marked his entry at the concert venue, albeit slightly delayed, but with his most popular number – GOAT shows how Dosanjh knows that a huge opening act goes a long way than reserving the best for the last. Most other artists would have kept their headline performance for the very end as an encore, but not Dosanjh who knew he had about ammo to keep the crowd on their feet for the entire duration.
A lesson on self worth and confidence for everyone here.
Of pious spirituality and flamboyant style
The final thing which could make him India’s brightest pop sensation is his unique style that is an intersection of flamboyance and spirituality. He can as easily groove to a ‘Kinni Kinni’ and ‘Do You Know’ as he can slip into a Gurbani. The versatile manner in which he switches from one mood to the other makes him a seasoned performer who has his feet on the ground.
It is also the era that he operates in which has helped Dosanjh soar in popularity charts. The audiences now, Indian or global, have an increased appetite for something more, an X-factor that they are looking for in every performer that is out there to woo them. Does Dosanjh have it? Yes. Is he then the best Indian pop sensation? Too early for that.
However, while Dosanjh cleverly transcends global stage to Indian-ness, with elan, there are lessons for all. First, don’t be shy to embrace your roots – that’s who you really are. And if you are not comfortable with that, how can you expect people to be cozying up to you? Second, a little bit of smart management can take you places! Don’t be afraid to venture into the unknown because there could be endless possibilities!
Third, being GOAT doesn’t mean you have to bleat about your popularity. It will find its way to you.
