Melbourne: Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh has become the target of a threat from the Khalistani separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) after he was seen touching veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan’s feet during a recent television appearance. The outfit, led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has threatened to disrupt Dosanjh’s Australia concert scheduled for November 1.
The controversy arose after Dosanjh appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 over the weekend, where he greeted Bachchan in the traditional Indian manner by bowing and touching his feet. The Bollywood icon affectionately referred to him as “Punjab de puttar” and embraced him, drawing loud cheers from the audience. The video has since gone viral across social media platforms, with fans praising Dosanjh for his humility.
However, the banned SFJ organisation has taken offense, claiming that Bachchan “incited violence” during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In a statement, Pannun accused Dosanjh of “betraying the Sikh community” by paying respect to Bachchan.
“By touching Amitabh Bachchan’s feet, Diljit Dosanjh has disrespected the memory of thousands of Sikhs who were killed in 1984,” Pannun said, calling the act “a grave insult to victims, widows, and orphans of the genocide.”
The group has also written to Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, demanding that Dosanjh be summoned to explain his actions, citing the 2010 Akal Takht decree that designates November as “Sikh Genocide Month.” SFJ has urged Sikh artists, institutions, and fans to boycott the singer and anyone associated with him.
Despite the threats, Dosanjh has continued with his Aura Tour in Australia, where he achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Indian artist to sell out a stadium show in Sydney. Reports indicate that over 30,000 fans attended the concert, with ticket prices soaring up to $800.
While SFJ’s warning has stirred controversy online, many of Dosanjh’s supporters have dismissed the threats, describing his gesture toward Bachchan as a mark of respect rather than a political statement.
