Diljit Dosanjh declines entering Punjab politics, says 'accepted US citizenship since 2022'

• Diljit Dosanjh reportedly became a US citizen in 2022
• He has been traveling on a US passport since September 2022
• Dosanjh recently refused calls to join Punjab politics
• His wife Sandeep Kaur is also a US citizen
• Indian citizenship laws may prevent him from entering Indian politics immediately

Leading Punjabi singer and Bollywood actor Diljit Dosanjh has reportedly been a US citizen since 2022. The development comes days after he turned down an appeal asking him to enter politics in Punjab. Dosanjh, who is widely known for his love for Punjab and Punjabi culture, has been traveling on a US passport since September 1, 2022.

According to reports, his last Indian passport was issued in Mumbai in 2018. Before that, an Indian passport was issued to him in Zambia. Sources also said he has been traveling to India using an e-visa since September 2022, which means he does not hold an OCI card.

Dosanjh’s citizenship status became a major talking point after a Punjab-based think tank publicly urged him to take over the political leadership of the state. The group included retired IAS officers, defense personnel, and professionals. They released a full-page advertisement in a leading newspaper and described Punjab as a state “brought to its knees by successive dispensations.”

“Kadey v Nahi” (Never ever)

Dosanjh quickly rejected the political offer. In a post on X, he wrote, “Kadey v Nahi (never). Mera kaam entertainment karna (My job is to entertain people). Am very happy in my field. Thank you so much.”

His response made it clear that he has no plans to enter politics. Dosanjh has built a successful career in music and films over the years and continues to focus on entertainment.

The report also said that even if he changes his mind in the future, entering Indian politics may not be easy. Under Section 6 of the Indian Citizenship Act, a foreign national can apply for Indian citizenship only after meeting several conditions. One of the key requirements is living in India for 12 years before the application. This includes continuous residence during the 12 months immediately before applying and residence for 11 out of the previous 14 years.

“Main Hoon Punjab” (I am Punjab)

Despite becoming a US citizen, Dosanjh continues to identify with his Punjabi roots strongly. His famous line, “Main Hoon Punjab (I am Punjab),” has become a symbol of Punjabi pride and cultural identity.

Over the years, he has often spoken about Sikh history, Punjabi culture, and his connection to Punjab on global platforms. Last month, he appeared for the second time on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. During the appearance, he discussed Sikh history and Punjabi pride.

The singer has also received global recognition for Punjabi music. In 2020, he became the first Indian artist to enter the Billboard Social 50 chart. His international popularity has continued to grow through concerts, films, and music releases.

According to the report, Dosanjh’s wife, Sandeep Kaur, is also a US citizen. At the time of getting US citizenship, Dosanjh reportedly listed a five-bedroom bungalow in an upscale California neighborhood as his residential address.

“My job is to entertain people”

Dosanjh’s recent comments came at a time when he was also facing controversy linked to Khalistan supporters. Last week, Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, associated with Sikhs for Justice, reportedly threatened the singer. The threat came after Dosanjh rebuked flag-waving Khalistan sympathizers during his concerts in Vancouver and Calgary in Canada.

Even with the attention around politics and controversy, Dosanjh has remained focused on his entertainment career.

Born on January 6, 1984, in Dosanjh Kalan village in Jalandhar, Punjab, Diljit Dosanjh is the son of Balbir Singh and Sukhwinder Kaur. He started his music career with the album Ishq Da Uda Ada in 2004.

He later entered Punjabi cinema with The Lion of Punjab in 2011. He gained major popularity after Jihne Mera Dil Luteya and later moved into Hindi films. His performance in Udta Punjab in 2016 earned him a Filmfare award in the Best Male Debut category.

Today, Dosanjh is one of the biggest Punjabi artists in the world. Even as discussions continue around his citizenship and political future, the singer has made it clear that entertainment remains his priority.