Diljit Dosanjh married; has a son? Friends spill beans
What's the story
From collaborating with international artists to making waves in his acting journey, Diljit Dosanjh is riding high on success.
Despite a flourishing career, the actor-singer has maintained a tight-lipped stance on his personal life, particularly regarding his family.
However, recent revelations by close friends in an Indian Express profile have confirmed that Dosanjh is married to an Indian-American woman and they share a son.
Here, know Dosanjh up close!
Childhood
Early life and passion for music
Born in 1984—a year that saw the horrific anti-Sikh riots following the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi—Dosanjh's early years were steeped in music.
His passion for music began to flourish during his adolescence.
His father, Balbir Singh, was a bus driver with Punjab Roadways who enjoyed playing hockey in his leisure time, as shared by Makhan Singh, the sarpanch of Dosanjh's childhood village.
Career beginnings
Dosanjh's early career and rise to fame
When he turned 11, Dosanjh moved in with his uncle, a decision that he recently admitted strained their relationship.
Balvir Boparai, a singer-composer who worked with a Ludhiana-based record company, recalled how a young Dosanjh approached him in the year 2000 seeking opportunities in Punjab's thriving music scene.
"He barely had any beard, but he had the rhythm, did bhangra well, and tied a very good turban," Boparai shared.
Changing names, gaining fame
Dosanjh's admiration for Michael Jackson; experimentation with style
Sukhpal Sukh, an Indo-Canadian musician, reminisced about Dosanjh's early days, recalling how the budding artist admired Michael Jackson as his idol and had a keen interest in fashion.
Sukh shared anecdotes of Diljit experimenting with different clothing combinations, often seeking validation by asking, "Bhaaji, jaloos te nahin lag reha (Bro, hope I am not looking like a joker)."
Dosanjh's transformation into "Diljit Dosanjh" occurred during his first tour of Canada in 2006—following an honor bestowed upon him by his village.
Global recognition
Dosanjh's breakthrough and international success
By the age of 17, Dosanjh was charging ₹50K for a show and was getting booked almost every day during the wedding season.
In recent years, he has made significant strides on the international music stage. He became the first Indian artist to perform at Coachella and collaborate with international pop star Sia.
He also performed at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding festivities, a day after pop sensation Rihanna.
Upcoming venture
He will be next seen in 'Amar Singh Chamkila'
With his remarkable achievements, Dosanjh stands out as a Pollywood actor who seamlessly transitioned to Bollywood, proudly retaining his turban and Punjabi accent.
From his breakthrough role in Udta Punjab (2016) to Phillauri (2017) and now Crew, Dosanjh effortlessly embodies each character he portrays.
He is now poised to star in and as Amar Singh Chamkila, headlining Imtiaz Ali's biopic of the slain Punjabi singer.
The highly-anticipated film is scheduled for release on Netflix this Friday.