The city is still glowing in the aftermath of the gloriously hyped Diljit Dosanjh Dil-Luminati Tour stop, which saw BC Place Stadium sell out as 54,000 fans pushed the boundaries of capacity.
Diljit became the first artist in the genre to sell out such a massive venue, headline both BC Place and Rogers Centre, and pull off the largest Punjabi performance outside India.
More than a concert, the performance had people from all over North America flying into Vancouver to be a part of history. In addition to the dancers, pyrotechnics, and dizzying light show, Diljit invited six-year-old Aanakh Bhuller to the stage, and together they danced bhangra to the song ‘Vibe.’
Diljit’s power-packed performance included songs such as ‘GOAT,’ ‘5 Taara,’ ‘Lover,’ ‘Kinni Kinni,’ and ‘Ishq Mitaye,’ the famous track from his latest film release ‘Amar Singh Chamkila.’
Diljit is not just an emblem of excellence in Punjabi music on the world stage; he is a unique presence that transcends geographical borders.
Hailing from the vibrant state of Punjab, India, Diljit has risen to become a global sensation, captivating audiences with his enchanting voice, soulful music, and power-packed performances. His unique style and stage presence are key aspects of his appeal and his influence on the music and film industry.
GROUNDBREAKING MUSICIAN
Diljit’s influence in the music industry is undeniable. His repertoire of chart-topping singles includes ‘G.O.A.T‘ (236 million views), ‘Lover’ (123 million views), and ‘Proper Patola’ (364 million views), to name but a few. In 2021, he released his twelfth album ‘Moonchild Era,’ which charted at #32 on the Billboard Canadian Albums Chart, making him the first Indian artist to have three albums on the Billboard Charts.
In April 2023, he became the first Punjabi artist to perform at the prestigious Coachella festival, the annual music and arts festival held in California, announcing ‘Punjabi aa gaye Coachella ve (The Punjabis have arrived in Coachella).’ He has become the most loved Indian artist when it comes to touring, generating more than $10 million in ticket sales from his ‘Born to Shine Australia Tour.’
Before the BC Place Stadium sell-out, Diljit had already made history as the first-ever Indian artist to perform and sell out at Rogers Arena Centre in Vancouver, Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, and Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
He also became the highest-selling Indian artist at the Brisbane Entertainment Center in Australia. His show in Melbourne proved his popularity, selling out 14,000 tickets in less than 72 hours.
HIGH PROFILE COLLABORATIONS
Diljit’s music has not only captivated the Asian diaspora worldwide but has also caught the attention of international music icons like Ed Sheeran, Diplo, and Sia. His collaborations, such as ‘Hass Hass’ with Sia, showcase his unique ability to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western musical sensibilities. This trait has contributed to his global influence.
By partnering with touring industry giants, Diljit is leading a revolution in global touring culture for Indian artists. His association with these powerhouse companies signifies a shift in perception towards Indian music on the worldwide stage, paving the way for future generations of artists to follow in his footsteps.
Diljit’s journey is not just about music but also the power of passion, perseverance, and the ability to break barriers. As he continues to conquer hearts and transcend boundaries, his story inspires music lovers and dreamers worldwide, redefining the essence of global music culture.
THE EARLY YEARS
Born in 1984 in the small village of Dosanjh Kalan, Jalandhar, Diljit’s early life was rooted in humble beginnings. His father, Balbir Singh, worked as a former employee of Punjab Roadways, while his mother, Sukhwinder Kaur, was a homemaker. Diljit, the middle child, has an elder sister and a younger brother.
He spent his early childhood in Dosanjh Kalan. Then, he moved to Ludhiana, Punjab, where he completed his formal education, graduating high school from Shri Guru Harkrishan Public School. While still in school, he began his singing career by performing Kirtan at local gurdwaras.
The beginning of his lifelong passion for music can be traced back to his days as a student when he often performed in which he would sing Kirtan and other religious songs. Diljit first appeared in the music industry with the T-series division in 2004 with the song ‘Ishq Da Uda Ada.’ During the same year, the same record label also issued his second studio album, ‘Dil.’ His third album, produced by Sukhpal Sukh and titled ‘Smile,’ gave him a much-needed business breakthrough.
The record received a lot of positive feedback. In 2009, he came out with not one but four singles all at once, including ‘Dancing with Me,’ ‘Bhaga Singh,’ ‘No Stress,’ and ‘Power of Duets.’
By 2016, the momentum had grown so powerful that ‘The Dosanjh Tour’ sold out concerts throughout the UK. As a result, he became the second Punjabi artist to sell Wembley Arena after Gurdas Mann.
IN FRONT OF THE CAMERAS
Beyond the realm of music, Diljit’s talents extend to the silver screen, where he commands a legion of fans with his captivating performances. With a massive social media following and a stellar presence in Indian cinema, Diljit effortlessly juggles the roles of actor, entertainer, and influencer, captivating audiences with his undeniable charm.
Stepping beyond the realm of music, Diljit made his mark in the Indian film industry. His Bollywood debut came in 2016 with the crime thriller ‘Udta Punjab,’ for which he earned the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut and a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Diljit continued to impress with his performances in ‘Good Newwz’ (2019), earning his second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. As of 2020, he has won five PTC Awards for Best Actor. He has also showcased his judging skills in three seasons of the ‘Rising Star’ reality show.
Diljit’s influence extends beyond music and into the world of Punjabi cinema. His movies, including ‘Jatt & Juliet 2,’ ‘Punjab 1984,’ ‘Sajjan Rangroot Singh,’ and the filmed in Vancouver ‘Honsla Rakh,’ have been among the highest-grossing Punjabi films in history. This success is due to his talent and ability to connect with audiences through his performances.
‘THE GOOD BOY’ GIVES BACK
On his birthday in 2013, Dosanjh launched an NGO called Saanjh Foundation. This organization focuses on underprivileged children and seniors and contributes to orphanages and nursing homes.
The foundation endeavours to empower youth with issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring, and career development. It takes its name from the second part of Dosanjh’s last name, which loosely translates to “amity.”
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, and digital women's lifestyle magazine EcoLuxLifestyle.co. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.
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