Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Punjabi music, electrifying performances and spectacular fireworks turned Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium into a sea of celebration on Friday evening as Diljit Dosanjh kicked off his ‘Aura India Tour’ amid massive fanfare.
Thousands of fans gathered at the stadium to witness the Punjabi singer's much-awaited performance, grooving to his popular tracks. However, besides his musical performance, it was Diljit's strong message to his critics that emerged as one of the biggest highlights of the evening.
Taking a break between performances, Diljit said, “I love everyone because I am an artist.” Responding to criticism directed at him, he added, “Don't teach Punjabis how to fight.” His remarks were met with loud cheers and applause from the audience.
Diljit also spoke about his film ‘Satluj’, saying that the project had been mocked despite the prolonged struggle involved in making it. The film is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. After a long wait, it was released on an OTT platform earlier this year but was removed within a few days.
Another memorable moment came when Diljit invited a woman CRPF personnel onto the stage and expressed gratitude to security forces for protecting citizens. He said people could not feel safe without security personnel performing their duties. Praising the woman officer, he remarked that seeing her reminded him of his mother. He also shared that his mother had called him before the concert and advised him to take care of himself.
The concert had faced uncertainty after Delhi Police initially withheld permission, citing security and law-and-order responsibilities during the festive period. However, the organisers subsequently presented detailed arrangements for security, traffic management and crowd control, following which permission was granted.
Elaborate security arrangements were put in place around the stadium, with hundreds of security personnel deployed. Traffic restrictions also remained in force in surrounding areas until midnight. Large numbers of fans opted for the Metro to avoid traffic congestion. Many arrived wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan ‘Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye’, while some sported outfits inspired by Diljit's international concert appearances. Adding to the Punjabi flavour, organisers also arranged free turban-tying services for visitors.
On the musical front, Diljit entertained the crowd with popular numbers such as ‘GOAT’, ‘Born to Shine’, ‘Kinni Kinni’, ‘Ranjha’ and ‘Rog’. He also performed ‘Hare Krishna Hare Ram’ from ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’. Romantic favourites including ‘Ishq Di Baajiyan’, ‘Ikk Kudi’ and ‘Naina’ from the film ‘Crew’ further delighted fans.
Diljit brought the evening to a close with ‘Main Hoon Punjab’ from his film ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’. The concert ended with a spectacular drone show that illuminated the night sky, with illuminated drones forming messages such as ‘Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye’ and ‘I Am Artist Bro’, leaving thousands of fans mesmerised.
