Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke— DC File

NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday said he was hurt by Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh's decision to distance himself from a student protest, but maintained that his admiration for the singer remained unchanged.

Dipke's response came after Dosanjh addressed his critics during a concert at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday, revisiting his controversial "I'm an artist, bro" remark.

Referring to criticism surrounding his film Satluj, earlier titled Punjab '95, Dosanjh said he had chosen to remain silent despite the controversy.

"I am being quiet, so let me stay quiet. I support all of you. Don't teach Punjabis how to fight battles," he said.

The singer said his team had struggled for years to bring the film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, to audiences.

During the concert, Dosanjh also invited a woman CRPF personnel on stage and thanked her for her service, saying security personnel made people feel safe.

Responding on Instagram, Dipke said his disappointment arose from the respect he had always held for Dosanjh and his expectation that artists would speak up on public issues.

"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," he wrote.

Dipke recalled attending Dosanjh's concert in Chicago in May, saying his admiration went beyond the singer's music.

"One disagreement or misunderstanding doesn't change the respect and admiration I have for you," he said, urging the singer to put the controversy behind them.

The disagreement dates back to July, when Dosanjh distanced himself from a CJP-led student protest, prompting Dipke to question the responsibility of artists to speak on public issues.


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