Diljit Dosanjh Row: CJP Founder Says June Remarks Hurt Him but Did Not Change His Respect

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Deepke on Saturday said that he was hurt by Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh’s decision to distance himself from student protests in June, but maintained that his admiration and respect for the artist remained unchanged.
 

Deepke’s statement came hours after Dosanjh responded to his critics during a concert in Delhi. Addressing thousands of fans at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday evening, the singer repeated his remark, “I’m an artist, bro,” which had drawn criticism from Deepke and others in July. Dosanjh also spoke about the criticism directed at his film Satluj.
 

In a statement shared on Instagram, Deepke said he had felt disappointed by Dosanjh’s comments during the protests in June. He clarified that his reaction was not driven by any personal resentment but by the fact that he had always viewed the singer as someone who stood up for people’s rights, as Dosanjh himself had previously said.
 

Deepke added that he continued to be a fan of the singer and regularly listened to his music. He also revealed that he had attended Dosanjh’s concert in Chicago in May, shortly before returning to India, not only because of his music but also because of the respect he held for him as a person.
 

Praising Dosanjh for his courage, authenticity and ability to remain connected to his roots while achieving global success, Deepke said their disagreement had not affected his regard for the artist. He described the issue as a difference of opinion or misunderstanding and requested Dosanjh to treat him like a younger brother and let the matter go.
 

During his Delhi concert, Dosanjh had responded to Deepke’s criticism by saying that he preferred to remain silent and urging people not to question the way Punjabis fight for their causes.
 

“I am silent, so let me remain silent. I support all of you. Do not teach Punjabis how to fight,” Dosanjh said. Referring to his film Satluj, he said the team had struggled for a long time to make the film and criticised those who had mocked it from the stage.
 

The singer also reiterated his message of love for everyone, saying that he did not hold hatred towards anyone, even if some people disliked him. He repeated his earlier statement: “I love everyone because I am an artist, bro.”
 

During the CJP-led protests in June, Deepke had argued that artists should speak out on important issues. He had warned that otherwise their films could repeatedly face the risk of being banned, an apparent reference to the controversy surrounding Dosanjh’s film Satluj.