On 19th October 2024, Emerging artist Diljit Dosanjh did something no Indian artist has done. The Punjabi singer, actor, and international sensation became the very first Indian to grace the cover of Billboard Canada. The moment was historic, as this was Billboard Canada’s maiden print release, and Diljit secured his position as a global icon in culture.
But for Diljit, this cover is something more than a personal landmark. For Indian artists, this means a breakthrough into a world that is embracing rapid diversity in as many aspects as possible. Fans from all over the world celebrated this milestone on social media. As one fan exclaimed,
“Diljit is breaking barriers and showing the world the power of Punjabi music!”
The moment feels, thus far, like overdue recognition and one more step to representation in global music.
Since Diljit is running his “Dil-Luminati” tour, he has done completely packed shows in the United States of America and Europe-qualitatively on par with spirited energy, coupled with a unique blend of Punjabi beats and contemporary rhythms. Each concert was something like a celebration of culture, music, and connectivity. The international leg of the tour concluded, and he returned to India, where fans eagerly anticipated his performances. The Indian segment kicked off on October 26, 2024, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, followed by stops in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata.
Diljit candidly tells Billboard Canada how he journeyed from that small village in Punjab to international star status. He looks back to the early days of struggle in his career and roots success.
“Music has always been my way of telling stories,”
he says. The love I’ve received proves stories can transcend any boundary.
Diljit also spoke about his signature style of cultural fusion, where tradition meets its modern avatar in Punjabi sounds. It is a magic formula that has clicked with fans in India and offshore, united only by their love for his music. He did not refrain from talking about fashion-wear, which has become a part of him. The way he blends traditional turbans with modern designer attire says much more than fashion-it speaks something about himself.
Diljit’s rise to international fame has not happened in a vacuum, and the collaborations he has been able to make with international artists like Pitbull, Ed Sheeran, and Sia have brought Punjabi music to newer audiences. These tracks aren’t about churning out chart-toppers but closing gaps between cultures and using music as common ground. He also did a recent collaboration with Pitbull for the title track of the upcoming Bollywood blockbuster, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” a collaboration that has left his fans in a frenzy.
If that’s not enough, Diljit is already making ripples in Bollywood. He will star in the much-talked-about “Border 2” along with Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan. The film’s shooting is based on the Battle of Longewala, promising to be a thrilling emotional experience, scheduled to start next month. Meanwhile, he will be seen in “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3”, where his acting and musical talents will be put to play amidst an already hyped soundtrack.
Diljit’s Billboard cover is a gleam of hope for Indian artists who want to capture the world’s attention. It’s proof that authenticity and dedication can quickly open doors to the world stage. For Diljit, though, this was only the beginning.
“Representation matters,”
he said.
“Told you, dreams have no boundaries.”.
