Diljit Dosanjh, the popular Punjabi singer and actor, shared his thoughts with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India’s potential to host larger-than-life music festivals, surpassing the scale of global events like Coachella. The two met on New Year’s Day at PM Modi’s residence, where they discussed various topics including music, culture, and India’s rich artistic legacy.
India’s Potential for Massive Music Festivals
During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi asked Diljit Dosanjh about his experiences performing at international music festivals, including the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which he attended in April 2023. In response, Diljit expressed his belief that India could host music festivals on a much grander scale than Coachella. He pointed out that people from all over the world attend these festivals, and India, with its rich musical culture, has the ability to create something even bigger.
Diljit emphasized how music is deeply woven into the fabric of Indian culture. He shared his admiration for the raw, untrained talent that can be found across the country. “Sometimes, I hear someone singing at a dhaba or in a village, and their voice is so beautiful that I feel like I should stop singing! They sing so well even without professional training,” said the 40-year-old singer. According to Diljit, this natural talent is a testament to India’s immense artistic potential. He believes that with proper support and development, people from around the world would be drawn to India for its music.
PM Modi’s Vision for India’s Creative Industry
PM Modi agreed with Diljit, sharing his thoughts on the country’s creative potential. The Prime Minister mentioned his ongoing efforts to bring India’s creative industries into the global spotlight through the upcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit. Scheduled for February 5-9, the summit aims to serve as a platform for creative talents from all over the world, highlighting India’s role as a hub for world-class content creation.
“I’ve been thinking about this for years. India is home to the largest film industry in the world, and now I’m trying to create a movement through Waves. India will become the center of the global creative world,” said PM Modi. He also reflected on a conversation he had with Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, about music in India. He explained how the country’s music changes with time of day and reflects different emotions, from joy to sadness.
Diljit Dosanjh’s Successful India Tour
Diljit also shared details about his recent India tour, Dil-Luminati, which spanned two months from October 26 to December 31. The tour, which included performances in cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru, was his largest tour yet. “This has been the biggest tour ever from India. We performed in so many places, and it was an incredible experience,” he said. Diljit expressed his pride in witnessing the diversity and unity of India during his performances, stating that the tour helped him understand why Indians call their country “Mera Bharat Mahaan” (My India is Great).
Promoting Environmental Awareness and Staying Grounded
During their conversation, PM Modi encouraged Diljit to spread awareness about environmental sustainability through his shows. He praised the singer for his humility despite achieving such fame. Diljit, known for his down-to-earth nature, continues to inspire his fans through both his music and his actions.
As Diljit continues to rise as a global star, his vision for India’s creative future seems even more promising. With events like Waves and his own music tours, the country is certainly moving closer to realizing its potential as a global cultural hub.