Abhijeet Bhattacharya hits back at Diljit Dosanjh over 'baap ka Hindustan' lyric, sparks debate

Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has reacted strongly to a resurfaced clip of Diljit Dosanjh from his Dil-Luminati tour, where the actor-singer recited lines that included the phrase, “kisi ke baap ka Hindustan thodi hai.” The line, part of a spoken-word piece on unity, has triggered backlash, with critics interpreting it as insensitive amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Diljit’s collaboration with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3.

In the viral concert clip, Diljit was seen saying, “Agar khilaaf hai, toh hone do, jaan thodi hai. Yeh sab dhuaah hai, aasmaan thodi hai. Sabhi ka khoon shaamil hai iss mitti mein, kisi ke baap ka Hindustan thodi hai.” These lines drew loud cheers from his audience but stirred strong reactions online, especially as tensions continue between India and Pakistan.

Responding to the clip, Abhijeet Bhattacharya shared a video on Instagram, directly addressing Diljit’s remark. “Hindustan hamare baap ka hai, hamare baap ke baap ke baap ke purvajon ka hai,” he declared. His video ended with a photograph of himself holding the Indian flag, with the patriotic song Sare Jahan Se Accha playing in the background. He captioned the post: “Hindustan Hamare BAAP ka hai.”

Meanwhile, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, who directed Diljit in Amar Singh Chamkila, offered his support. Speaking to the media, Imtiaz defended Diljit as someone who deeply loves his country. “Uske andar desh prem bahut zyada hai,” he said, adding that people who truly understand Diljit will recognise his intent.

He also clarified that casting decisions are often out of actors’ control. “Jo log dekh paayenge unke andar ke sach ko, unko ye samajh mein aa jaayega.” Imtiaz emphasized that Diljit doesn’t believe in fakeness. “No one asked him to do it. At the end of all his concerts, he says, ‘Main hoon Punjab,’ with the Indian flag.”

The exchange has reignited debate on celebrity responsibility, patriotism, and freedom of expression at a time when public sentiment remains sensitive.