Diljit Dosanjh Pays Emotional Tribute to His Mother at Dil-Luminati Delhi Concert, Explains Signature Phrase ‘Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye’
Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh recently held the second leg of his “Dil-Luminati” India tour at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where he performed for an audience of around 35,000 enthusiastic fans. Known for his electric stage presence and heartwarming personality, Dosanjh struck a deep chord with the audience by paying an emotional tribute to his mother. He shared his pride in his Punjabi roots and explained why he often says “Punjabi aa gaye oye” during his concerts, a signature phrase that resonates with fans worldwide.
Taking to Instagram after the concert, Diljit shared a video of the tribute and spoke about his deep connection to the Punjabi language, a connection that stems from his love and respect for his mother. He began by explaining that Punjabi was the first language he learned because it was his mother’s tongue. “When I was born, my mother spoke in Punjabi. I learned Punjabi first. Our country has many languages, and I respect them all — be it Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, or Hindi. But because my mother speaks Punjabi, I speak Punjabi too. That’s why I say, ‘Punjabi aa gaye oye,’” he said, sharing a moment of cultural pride that drew applause from the audience.
Celebrating culture through music
Diljit went on to deliver some of his most popular hits, such as “Proper Patola,” “Lemonade,” “Ikk Kudi,” “Clash,” “Lover,” “Patiala Peg,” and more, creating an atmosphere of pure celebration. His setlist, filled with fan favorites, reflected his commitment to infusing Punjabi culture and music into his performances. Fans cheered, danced, and sang along, showing just how much his music and message resonate with them. Diljit’s pride in his heritage is central to his appeal, and he shared that his choice to use Punjabi frequently on stage stems from his desire to stay true to his roots.
A rare glimpse into family connections
Diljit has always been private about his family, choosing to keep them away from the spotlight to protect their privacy. Yet recently, while performing in Manchester, UK, he introduced his mother and sister to his fans. This was a rare and touching moment, as the singer had previously avoided discussing his family in interviews, citing the importance of their safety and privacy. For Diljit, family remains sacred and distant from the fame surrounding him.
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In an old interview, Diljit shared a glimpse into his childhood, revealing that his relationship with his parents changed after they sent him to live with his maternal uncle at the age of 11. “I was eleven years old when I left my home and started living with my mamaji. He said, ‘Send him to the city with me,’ and my parents agreed without even asking me,” Diljit recalled. The experience had a lasting impact on him, shaping his perspective on family and relationships. It was a pivotal moment in his life, marking the beginning of his journey toward independence, music, and self-discovery.
The road ahead for the “Dil-Luminati” tour
Following his Delhi concert, Diljit is set to take his tour across nine other cities in India, with planned stops in Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Pune, and Kolkata. The tour, which has drawn massive crowds in every city so far, is expected to culminate with a grand finale in Guwahati on December 29, closing out what has been a remarkable year for the artist. Known for his engaging performances and knack for connecting with audiences, Diljit has ensured that every city gets a taste of his Punjabi roots and the emotional depth he brings to each show.
Diljit’s unique legacy in Indian music
As one of the few Indian artists who have successfully blended Punjabi music with global appeal, Diljit Dosanjh’s impact on the music industry is unmistakable. His choice to sing in Punjabi and maintain a connection with his cultural roots has resonated not only with fans in India but with the global Punjabi diaspora. By expressing pride in his heritage and honoring his mother and family, Diljit has carved a space in the music world that is both personal and universally relatable.
His “Dil-Luminati” tour is more than just a musical journey; it’s a celebration of identity, resilience, and cultural pride. As he moves from city to city, Diljit Dosanjh continues to inspire fans with his authenticity, honoring the language and culture his mother passed down to him, all while inviting fans to celebrate with the familiar, joyous call: “Punjabi aa gaye oye.”
