Diljit Dosanjh’s social media videos win the hearts of Kashmiris

The actor and singer widened his fan base in Kashmir with with his down-to-earth attitude towards the local fans.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A series of social media videos by actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh filmed at key locations, capturing the mood of the place and the innocence of locals, won the hearts of netizens in Kashmir on Tuesday (December 17, 2024).

The new-age Bollywood icon, with 24.8 million Instagram followers, was seen swirling at the shrine of saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, mingling with devotees and paying obeisance. The actor also shot videos against the frost layer on the Dal Lake, and drinking a saffron-based beverage, kehwa. All this was set to soulful music from a local instrument, the rabab.

The actor named the video series ‘Heaven on Earth’ and Sukoon. He wore the pheran, a long woollen robe worn in harsh winters to cover the kangri (a pot of coals).

Officials said the 40-year-old performer visited Gurudwaras and shot photos with locals in a gym, a tea house, roadside shops, and the Dal Lake. Excited locals swarmed to catch a glimpse of him.

Indori’s verses

Nasir Hamid Khan, a well-known businessman, spoke of Dosanjh’s use of Urdu poet Rahat Indori’s verses: Sabhi Ka Khoon Shamil Hai Is Mitti Main; Kisi Kay Baap Ka Hindustan Thodi Hain! The actor recited from Indori’s writings in Indore recently, amid protests by right wing groups.

“A chance encounter with a talented star. Diljit Dosanjh. He is extremely humble and down to earth. No starry airs. Kept addressing me, a stranger to him, as Paaji and sir,” wrote Mr. Khan on Facebook, as he posted his picture with him in a Srinagar gym.

Hundreds of netizens posted messages to the actor and expressed their desire to see him performing in Srinagar. “I’m a 10th-grade student from Bandipora, Kashmir. I’ve always dreamed of attending one of your concerts, and I was so excited to hear that you came to Kashmir recently. It would mean the world to me if I could meet you in person,” Mir Nowreen, a student, posted on the actor’s Instagram handle.

The actor, with his down-to-earth attitude towards local fans, has only widened his fan base in Kashmir.