Diljit Dosanjh’s recent statement regarding India’s inadequate concert infrastructure has sparked a debate within the music industry. Following his announcement that he would halt performing in India until improvements are made, veteran singer Javed Ali offered a contrasting perspective.
While acknowledging the immense love and respect afforded to artists in India, Javed Ali, known for hits like “Kun Faya Kun,” emphasized the unparalleled appreciation they receive within the country. He stated to ANI, “We receive so much love no matter where we go. In our country, artists are treated with enormous respect. I do not believe such love exists anywhere else. It is most important to be respected at home. No matter where you go, you will not find the same happiness. I love my country.” His comments stand in contrast to Dosanjh’s concerns.
Dosanjh, during his Dil-Luminati concert in Chandigarh, expressed frustration over the lack of suitable infrastructure for live shows. He argued this deficiency impacts both revenue generation and the employment of numerous individuals within the industry. He stated his intention to pause Indian performances until improvements are made, specifically mentioning a desire to stage future shows with a centrally positioned stage to better engage the audience. His extensive Dil-Luminati India Tour 2024, which concluded in Ludhiana on December 31st after traversing cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Guwahati, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Pune, showcased the scale of his concerns. He celebrated the tour’s finale with a series of energetic performance clips shared on social media.
Meanwhile, Javed Ali continues to enjoy success with his newly released track, “Kismat,” a collaboration with American-Indian composer Ayaz Ismail, created during Ali’s 2022 US tour and released on December 9th. His extensive repertoire includes numerous iconic Bollywood songs, cementing his status as a leading vocalist in the Indian music scene. The differing opinions highlight a divergence of viewpoints within the industry regarding the current state of live performance infrastructure in India.