‘Main hoon Punjab, but not Indian’: Diljit Dosanjh acquired US citizenship in 2022, not eligible for Indian politics without regaining citizenship, says report
Popular Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh acquired United States citizenship in 2022 and has since been travelling on a US passport, according to a report by The Indian Express.
The report stated that Dosanjh is no longer an Indian citizen and has been travelling to India on an e-visa since September 1, 2022. Sources quoted in the report said this also indicates that he does not hold an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
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Known for his strong Punjabi identity and his popular line “Main Hoon Punjab”, Dosanjh’s last Indian passport was reportedly issued in Mumbai in 2018, while an earlier passport had been issued in Zambia.
The report further claimed that his wife, Sandeep Kaur, is also a US national. While applying for American citizenship, Dosanjh had reportedly listed a five-bedroom bungalow in California as his residential address.
The development comes amid speculation over the singer’s possible entry into Punjab politics after a civil society group, Jaago Punjab Manch, appealed to him to take on a leadership role in the state.
The group, comprising retired bureaucrats, Army officers and professionals, had described Dosanjh as the kind of leader Punjab needs at a time when the state is grappling with financial stress and drug abuse concerns.
However, Dosanjh firmly dismissed the possibility of joining politics.
Sharing a report on social media platform X, the singer wrote: “Kadey v Nhi… Mera Kam Entertainment Karna. Am Very Happy in My Field. Thank You So Much.”
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also reacted to the speculation, alleging that the BJP was “pressurising” Dosanjh to enter politics. Mann said political parties had started looking at celebrities as potential mass leaders after the political rise of Tamil actor-politician C Joseph Vijay.
According to the report, even if Dosanjh changes his mind in the future, he would first need to regain Indian citizenship before formally entering politics in India.
Referring to provisions under the Citizenship Act, the report noted that a foreign national seeking Indian citizenship must fulfil residency conditions, including continuous residence in India for 12 months immediately before applying and residence for 11 out of the previous 14 years.
The issue has also surfaced amid recent controversies surrounding Dosanjh’s international concerts and alleged attempts by pro-Khalistan supporters to disrupt performances in Canada.
Reports claimed that during concerts in Vancouver and Calgary, Dosanjh objected to pro-Khalistan flag-waving and asked protesters not to create disturbances during the events.
He later termed attempts to disrupt his concerts a “fake narrative” and said he would not tolerate harassment of his fans.
