Sydney (Rajeev Sharma): Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has found himself at the centre of controversy after the pro-Khalistan organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) issued threats against him for touching Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan’s feet on a television show.
The group, led by self-proclaimed Khalistani activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has warned that it will attempt to disrupt Dosanjh’s concert in Australia on November 1, claiming his gesture was an “insult” to victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Pannun released a statement condemning the singer’s act, alleging that Bachchan’s public comments during the 1984 riots had contributed to anti-Sikh sentiment. He described Dosanjh’s action as “a betrayal of Sikh martyrs” and urged the community to avoid attending his shows.
“Touching the feet of a man linked to the 1984 genocide is not respect, it is dishonour,” Pannun said. “No true Sikh should perform or celebrate on November 1, a day of remembrance for our people.”
The controversy began when Dosanjh appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 last weekend. Upon arriving on stage, he greeted Bachchan with folded hands and touched his feet — a traditional gesture of reverence. Bachchan, in turn, hugged him warmly, calling him “Punjab da puttar.” The moment received a standing ovation and quickly went viral on social media, with fans lauding Dosanjh’s humility.
In addition to the threats, SFJ has also approached Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, urging him to summon Dosanjh for an explanation. The group referenced the 2010 Akal Takht resolution designating November as Sikh Genocide Month, accusing the singer of disregarding community sentiment.
Despite the uproar, Dosanjh continues his Aura Tour in Australia, where he recently made history by becoming the first Indian artist to sell out a stadium concert in Sydney. Over 30,000 fans attended the show, with premium tickets reportedly fetching up to $800.
While SFJ’s threats have sparked heated discussion online, many of Dosanjh’s fans have come to his defence, arguing that his gesture was rooted in cultural tradition, not politics.
