Popular Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh on Sunday, December 8, 2024, dedicated his Indore concert to the late Urdu poet Rahat Indori, delivering a powerful message against hate. On stage, Dosanjh recited Indori’s iconic couplets, including the famous:
“Kisi ke baap ka Hindustan thodi hai”
(This land has seen sacrifices from everyone. India is not anyone’s property.)
The much-anticipated Dil-Luminati concert tour in Indore faced protests from right-wing groups like the Bajrang Dal. They demanded the cancellation of the event, accusing Dosanjh of being “anti-national,” a “supporter of Khalistan,” and of promoting “meat” and “liquor.” Bajrang Dal leaders even petitioned the police to intervene, but their efforts failed, and the concert proceeded as scheduled.
When Dosanjh took the stage, he dedicated the event to Rahat Indori, a celebrated poet and proud son of Indore who passed away in August 2020 due to COVID-19. Indori’s poetry, however, continues to resonate deeply, particularly in times of divisive rhetoric.
Dosanjh recited another of Indori’s evocative ghazals:
“Mere hujre mein nahin aur kahi par rakh do
Aasman laaye ho le aao zameen par rakh do
Ab kahaan dhoondne jaaoge hamaare qaatil
Aap to qatal ka ilzaam humeen par rakh do”
(Not in my hut, keep it somewhere else.
You have brought heaven, bring it and keep it on the earth.
Where will you now go to find my killer?
You should blame me for the murder.)
The verses struck a chord with the packed audience, emphasizing defiance in the face of oppression. The concert was a resounding success, ending with a sold-out crowd, and tickets were reportedly being sold on the black market.
The next day, Dosanjh shared a clip of the recital on Instagram with the caption:
“Love You Indore.. Baut Pyar.. Kal Ka Concert Rahat Indori Sahab Ke Naam Raha.. DIL-LUMINATI TOUR Year 24,” accompanied by smileys.
Dosanjh’s tribute to Rahat Indori and his fearless stance against hate made the event more than just a musical performance—it became a cultural statement.
