'I was hurt, Paaji': Abhijeet Dipke responds to Diljit Dosanjh after Delhi concert remarks

New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday responded to Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh's remarks during his Delhi concert, saying he was disappointed by the singer's earlier decision to distance himself from the student protest but continued to hold him in high regard.

Dipke's response came hours after Dosanjh addressed his critics during a performance at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday evening, revisiting the controversy surrounding his "I'm an artist, bro" remark and the criticism directed at his film Satluj.

In an Instagram statement, Dipke clarified that his disappointment had never been personal. Instead, he said it arose from his admiration for Dosanjh and his belief that the singer had consistently stood up for important social causes.

"Paaji, back in June, when we were protesting, I was a little hurt by your comment. Not because I had anything against you personally, but because I've always seen you as someone who speaks up for the cause, just like you said yourself," Dipke wrote.

He also recalled attending Dosanjh's concert in Chicago earlier this year, shortly before returning to India, saying his appreciation extended beyond the singer's music.

"If anything, I've always been an admirer of yours, and that hasn't changed. I still listen to your music. In fact, I came to your concert in Chicago this May, just before returning to India, not just for your music, but because I've always had immense respect for the person you are," he added.

'One disagreement doesn't change my respect'

Dipke praised Dosanjh for his authenticity, courage and ability to achieve international recognition while remaining connected to his Punjabi roots.

He maintained that their differences over the protest should not overshadow the respect he had for the singer.

"And I guess that's why the comment hurt a little, because I've always held you in such high regard. But one disagreement or misunderstanding doesn't change the respect and admiration I have for you.

"Baaki paaji, chhota bhai samajh ke mitti pao (Consider me your younger brother and end this matter)."

Ending his message on a conciliatory note, Dipke quoted a line from Dosanjh's popular track GOAT, which speaks about treating even adversaries with kindness.

"And at last I would just like to say, 'Gabru ta vairi nu vi mitha bolda, ni tu ta ferr jatt da pyar goriye'," he said.

What did Diljit Dosanjh say at his Delhi concert?

The exchange followed Dosanjh's remarks during his Friday concert, where he addressed criticism over his response to the CJP-led student protest and the controversy surrounding Satluj.

Speaking to thousands of fans, the singer defended his decision to remain silent on certain issues and referred to the prolonged struggle to secure the release of his film.

"I am being quiet, so let me stay quiet. I support all of you. Don't teach Punjabis how to fight battles. The film you were making fun of from stage -- Jaswant Singh Khalra ji's film ('Satluj'). We fought for a very long time for that film. I stay quiet, I love everyone. If someone hates us, no problem. From our side it's only love for everyone," Dosanjh said.

The singer also repeated his earlier statement, "I love everyone because I'm an artist, bro," which had drawn criticism when he used similar words in July while responding to questions about the CJP protest.

His remarks at the time had triggered a debate on social media over whether prominent artists should publicly support political and social movements.

Dipke was among those who criticised the singer's response, arguing that artists needed to speak out on issues affecting society.

He had also suggested that remaining silent on important matters could leave artists vulnerable when their own creative work faced restrictions, apparently referring to the difficulties surrounding the release of Satluj.

The controversy surrounding 'Satluj'

The film, originally titled Punjab '95, stars Dosanjh as human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated alleged extrajudicial killings and secret cremations in Punjab during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The project faced a prolonged struggle for release before eventually premiering on the streaming platform ZEE5 in July 2026.

However, the film was removed from the platform within two days of its release.