Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh has taken the US by storm with his debut on The Tonight Show, receiving widespread acclaim from fans around the globe.
Introduced by host Jimmy Fallon as “the biggest Punjabi artist on the planet,” Dosanjh performed his hit songs “Born to Shine” and “G.O.A.T.” The performance was celebrated as a “historic moment,” with fans commenting that he has taken Punjabi music “to new heights.”
This appearance is the latest example of Dosanjh’s success in captivating Western audiences. In 2023, he made history as the first Punjabi language singer to perform at the Coachella festival. He has also collaborated with renowned artists, including Sia on the song “Hass Hass,” and joined Ed Sheeran on his Asia tour in Mumbai, where the duo performed together in Punjabi.
During his performance of “G.O.A.T.,” Dosanjh made a notable change to the lyrics, referencing “Hollywood” instead of “Bollywood,” as he pointed at Fallon. Following his set, Fallon praised the performance, saying, “That is how you do it!”
The excitement for Dosanjh’s appearance had been building since the announcement a week earlier. Anticipation peaked with The Tonight Show sharing light-hearted backstage videos where Dosanjh taught Fallon some Punjabi phrases. In one video, Fallon’s attempt to say the catchphrase “Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye” caused laughter, with actress Priyanka Chopra commenting, “It’s the Oye for me.” However, Fallon successfully delivered the Punjabi greeting “Sat Sri Akal.”
Another video showed Fallon surprising Dosanjh with white gloves customized with the show’s logo, a nod to Dosanjh’s fashion trademark of wearing black gloves during performances. Dosanjh also received praise for “embracing an Indian attire,” appearing in traditional clothes and a matching turban.
British Indian singer Jassi Sidhu expressed his joy, saying Dosanjh has “made Punjabi music mainstream.” A fan commented that Dosanjh is “opening doors for thousands of passionate people around the globe who come from humble backgrounds.”
Jimmy Fallon and Diljit Dosanjh shared light-hearted moments backstage
“Diljit’s appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s show is monumental for the South Asian community and Punjabi culture. His authenticity resonates deeply with fans. He stays true to his roots, speaking in Punjabi, wearing traditional clothes on international platforms, and consistently promoting the values of his faith and culture.
As a visibly Sikh man with a turban, he has turned what was once considered a setback into a symbol of pride. He became the first turban-wearing man to headline a Bollywood film as a leading man and sell out venues globally. At his core, Dosanjh is an exceptionally talented artist with a brilliant voice and a varied range of music. Combined with his social media persona, fashion sense, and warm interactions with fans, it’s no wonder millions are celebrating his latest chat-show appearance with pride.”