Diljit Dosanjh Pays Tribute to Rahat Indori Amid Protests at Indore Concert

Recently performing in Indore, Punjabi musician and actor Diljit Dosanjh paid tribute to the memories of eminent Urdu poet Rahat Indori, who came from the city.
But the concert turned into the focus of debate since the Bajrang Dal started to object. Notwithstanding these obstacles, Diljit's concert went ahead and the evening became unforgettable for his supporters as well as the artist.


Reciting one of the most well-known ghazals, "Kisi ke baap ka Hindustan thodi hai," Diljit honoured Rahat Indori throughout his show (Hindustan isn't anyone's property). Full of passion and pride, these strong lines underline issues of equality, unity, and opposition against injustice. The audience connected especially with the ghazal's message, especially in a place like Indore where Indori's memory is still very much alive.

August 2020 saw Rahat Indori die; he left behind a great collection of work that inspires people all throughout India. Diljit's action honoured the poet's creative output as well as a moment of unity with the ideas of freedom and equality Rahat Indori's words stood for.

Still, Diljit's homage was not without controversy. Right-wing Hindu group the Bajrang Dal opposed the concert. The demonstrators charged Diljit with past anti-national comments and backing of the Khalistan cause during the farmers' demonstrations. Avinash Kaushal, leader of Bajrang Dal, insisted that the concert be called off, stating that they would demonstrate anyway they pleased should the event go forward.

Notwithstanding the demonstrations and efforts to call off the event, the concert went as planned without any significant disturbance. The cops made sure the event went under orderly and calm. The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police claims that the authorities were dedicated to upholding public safety, particularly with relation to women's security and drug consumption at the event.

Apart from the political demonstrations, the Bajrang Dal expressed worries on the encouragement of alcohol and narcotics at public gatherings. Another Bajrang Dal leader, Tannu Sharma, expressed the group's disapproval, saying that drug and alcohol intake at such celebrations runs against to Indian customs. In response, the concert planners moved quickly. The venue banned meat and drink in order to allay these issues. This action was probably meant to maintain the calm and guarantee that Diljit's performance and the honour of Rahat Indori would always take front stage.

For Diljit, the Indore concert was not just a memorial to Rahat Indori but also a major social and political backdrop event. Diljit's admirers were able to enjoy an evening of music, culture, and poetry despite the demonstrations and opposition; the singer's performance serves as a reminder of the power of art to connect and inspire people, even in the face of difficulty.

The concert turned out well overall, Diljit getting praise for his tribute to Rahat Indori as well as his skill in negotiating the charged environment. It was a reminder that, despite all the difficulties that can develop, music and poetry—like all kinds of art—can cross boundaries and unite people.

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