Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off the new year with a memorable interaction with singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, lauding him as “a combination of talent and tradition.” The meeting, which took place on New Year’s Day, centred around discussions on music, culture, and India’s vibrant heritage, including yoga.
The Prime Minister shared snippets of their meeting in a video uploaded to Instagram, calling the interaction “a fantastic start to 2025.” Diljit Dosanjh, a renowned Punjabi musician and actor, echoed the sentiment on Twitter, stating, “A very memorable meeting with PM @narendramodi Ji. We talked about a lot of things, including music of course.”
A heartfelt connection
During the interaction, PM Modi praised Dosanjh for living up to his name, ‘Diljit,’ meaning “winner of hearts.” He remarked, “When a boy from an Indian village makes India’s name shine, it feels good. Your family named you Diljit, and you keep winning over people.”
Dosanjh, visibly moved, praised the Prime Minister’s words about his mother and the Ganga river, revered as a mother figure in Indian culture. “I saw your recent interview. For us, you are the Prime Minister… it’s a big post, so sometimes we forget that there is a son and human being occupying it. When you talk about your mother or Ganga Maa… our hearts are overcome with emotions,” Dosanjh said.
In response, PM Modi highlighted the richness of India’s cultural fabric. “The large size of India is a strength. We are a vibrant society,” he said, while the two exchanged thoughts on yoga, which Dosanjh described as a “magical creation from India.” PM Modi added that yoga’s transformative power is best understood through experience.
A devotional gesture
During the meeting, Dosanjh performed a devotional song dedicated to Guru Nanak, further reflecting his deep cultural roots. The artist expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to converse with the Prime Minister, who he described as a symbol of Indian heritage and leadership.
The dil-luminati India tour
The meeting followed the conclusion of Dosanjh’s highly successful Dil-Luminati India Tour. The two-month tour, which began on October 26, 2024, in New Delhi, wrapped up on New Year’s Eve at the Punjab Agriculture University stadium in Ludhiana.
Throughout the tour, Dosanjh performed in major cities, including Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Lucknow, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, and Guwahati. His electrifying performances drew massive crowds, reaffirming his status as one of India’s most beloved entertainers.
A tribute to former PM Manmohan Singh
In a heartfelt moment during his tour, Dosanjh dedicated a concert to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Addressing the audience, he said, “Today’s concert is dedicated to the late former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He led a very simple life and never spoke ill of others, which is remarkable in the world of politics.”
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The tribute was met with widespread applause, showcasing Dosanjh’s respect for political figures who inspire through humility and integrity.
A token of appreciation
At the conclusion of his Ludhiana concert, Dosanjh presented PM Modi with a special poster of the Dil-Luminati tour as a token of appreciation. The gesture marked a symbolic moment of mutual admiration between the artist and the Prime Minister.
A new chapter
PM Modi’s meeting with Diljit Dosanjh has set an uplifting tone for the new year, highlighting the unity between art and leadership in celebrating India’s diverse culture. The interaction underscored the significance of recognising talent that bridges tradition and modernity while strengthening the bond between the country’s leaders and its artists.
As both men reflected on India’s vibrancy, the meeting became a powerful testament to the nation’s enduring cultural and creative spirit.
