New Delhi: Fresh debate has emerged around Punjabi music star Diljit Dosanjh after a report claimed that the actor-singer has been a United States citizen since 2022 and no longer holds Indian nationality.
According to the report, Dosanjh has been travelling internationally on a US passport and entering India through an e-visa arrangement since September 2022. Sources quoted in the report also suggested that he does not possess an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
The revelation has attracted attention at a time when speculation over Dosanjh’s possible entry into Punjab politics had intensified. A social organisation named Jaago Punjab Manch had recently appealed to the singer to assume a leadership role, describing him as a personality capable of inspiring change in the state.
The organisation, made up of retired bureaucrats, professionals and former defence personnel, reportedly said Punjab required influential public figures to address issues such as rising debt, unemployment and drug addiction.
However, Dosanjh swiftly dismissed rumours of any political ambitions. Responding on social media platform X, the singer stated that his focus remained solely on entertainment and that he had no intention of joining politics.
The report further mentioned that Dosanjh’s last Indian passport was issued in Mumbai in 2018, while an earlier one had reportedly been obtained in Zambia. It also claimed that his wife, Sandeep Kaur, is a US citizen. During the process of obtaining American citizenship, Dosanjh is said to have listed a luxury residence in California as his home address.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also commented on the discussion, alleging that some political groups were attempting to encourage celebrities to join politics after the growing popularity of actor-politicians in different parts of the country, including Tamil Nadu leader C Joseph Vijay.
Legal experts cited in the report noted that under Indian law, a foreign citizen cannot directly contest elections or formally enter politics without regaining Indian citizenship. The Citizenship Act requires applicants to fulfil strict residency conditions before citizenship can be restored.
Meanwhile, Dosanjh has also been in the spotlight over reports linked to his overseas concerts. Some claims suggested that pro-Khalistan supporters attempted to create disruptions during his performances in Canadian cities including Vancouver and Calgary.
The singer had earlier rejected allegations linking him to such controversies and described the reports as misleading. He also stated that he would not allow disturbances or harassment that could affect fans attending his shows.
