TORONTO/NEW DELHI, 24 June — Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, known for straddling the worlds of music, cinema and cultural identity, is now the subject of a landmark university course in Canada — even as he faces fierce criticism in India over his latest film collaboration with Pakistani actors.
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) announced that its Creative School will introduce a course dedicated to Dosanjh’s cultural and artistic influence, starting in late 2026. The course — the first of its kind in Canada for a Punjabi artist — was unveiled at the Billboard Summit during Toronto’s NXNE festival and will examine Dosanjh’s contributions to Punjabi music, global pop culture, and South Asian diasporic identity.
“Diljit Dosanjh has shown the cultural influence and economic potential of Punjabi music on the world stage,” said Dr Charlie Wall-Andrews, Assistant Professor at TMU. Canadian media reports indicate the curriculum will trace how Dosanjh’s work has bridged cultures, mobilised South Asian communities, and inspired creative entrepreneurship.
Mo Ghoneim, President of Billboard UK and Canada, described the actor-singer as “the perfect fit” for the program, citing his cross-generational and international appeal. Sonali Singh, CEO of Ripple Effect Studios and Dosanjh’s manager, called the recognition “long overdue,” adding, “His story is one of cultural pride, creative freedom, and global representation.”
The announcement coincides with both a career high and a political low for Dosanjh. His upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, set for an overseas-only release on June 27, stars Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and also features Pakistani actors Nasir Chinyoti and Daniel Khawar. The casting has sparked intense backlash in India, especially in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor on May 7 targeting terror camps in Pakistan.
Diljit, who also serves as a producer on the film, has not commented on the controversy directly. The trailer, posted on his Instagram, has been geo-blocked in India, with YouTube showing it as unavailable in the country.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to deny clearance to the film, citing “insensitivity” over the inclusion of Pakistani actors. “We are imposing a strict ban on any future projects involving Diljit and his producers,” said FWICE President BN Tiwari.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has also condemned the film, calling for a nationwide boycott and asking Indian artists to sever ties with Dosanjh. “At a time of national grief, this collaboration is tone-deaf,” the association said in a statement.
On social media, the outrage has escalated. Some users labelled Diljit a “Khalistani” and accused him of aligning with anti-India sentiment. One post read: “Shame on Diljit Dosanjh collaborating with Hania Aamir so soon after Operation Sindoor! Where’s the patriotism?”
No verified link has been found between Aamir and anti-India propaganda, though online accusations persist. Producer Gunbir Singh Sidhu defended the project, stating the film was shot before recent events and planned for international release to “respect Indian sentiments.”
This is not the first time Dosanjh has found himself at the centre of political storms. During his performance at Coachella 2023, a gesture toward a fan holding the Indian flag was misinterpreted as a signal to lower it, sparking criticism. Dosanjh later clarified that he was promoting unity, not disrespect. He was also previously trolled for spelling Punjab as “Panjab,” which critics said reflected a Pakistani bias — an accusation he rebutted by citing the historical meaning of the word: “land of five rivers.”
Despite the controversies, Dosanjh’s influence on the global stage remains undeniable. His Dil-Luminati Tour broke records for Punjabi music concerts outside India, and he became the first Punjabi artist to perform at Coachella. His critically acclaimed role in Amar Singh Chamkila (2024) and appearance at the Met Gala 2025 have further cemented his place as a global ambassador of Punjabi culture.
Whether viewed as a cultural bridge or a flashpoint of controversy, Diljit Dosanjh continues to challenge borders — artistic, national, and personal — as he redefines the reach of South Asian identity.
