Bigger Than Bollywood? How Diljit Dosanjh Became India’s Global Music Icon
Yuvraj Nanda | Mar 14, 2025, 22:11 IST
From selling out stadiums worldwide to performing with Ed Sheeran, Diljit Dosanjh is on another level right now. While Bollywood clings to outdated formulas, this Punjabi superstar is rewriting the rules. But is he India’s biggest global music icon? And can anyone else match his rise? Let’s break it down.
Diljit Dosanjh—the name today that is known by people from all age groups. From little children dancing to his music, to old people adoring his acting skills on the big screen. Diljit is undoubtedly a megastar in today’s pop culture of not just India or South Asia but also in the Americas or wherever the Desis reside.
And as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day and nor did Diljit’s stardom as he reached his prime. But how did this happen? How did Diljit Dosanjh reach heights which potentially nobody has ever seen in India considering the fact that he is not just a singer—but a performer, an entertainer, and one of the finest actors in our country.
Diljit Dosanjh is the first Indian to shut down Coachella like a boss. In 2023, he made history by becoming the first Indian artist to perform at one of the world’s biggest music festivals. But it wasn’t just about being present at the show, just showing up or even perform during a little slotted segment at the event. NO. He OWNED that stage. From the “G.O.A.T” Album to “Moon Child Era,” his entire set went viral, with international celebs grooving to his forever enjoyable vocals.
Bollywood playback singers? Remade film songs? That era is unfortunately fading. It would even be pertinent to state it bold and clear that Diljit isn’t just making music for movies—he IS the movie. His albums hit global charts, rule the Billboard and he continues to prove that independent Indian artists can very well dominate the scene without Bollywood’s backing.
Even in movies, while Bollywood struggles with flops, Diljit’s film Jogi made waves, and Chamkila became a Netflix masterpiece.
When Diljit started collaborating with Ed Sheeran, Tory Lanez, and Saweetie, you knew he had already crossed into the global scene.
• Ed Sheeran showing up at Diljit’s Show? Iconic moment.
• Rumours of Diljit dating Taylor Swift? Internet meltdown.
• Sia singing in Punjabi? That’s VERY mainstream.
You can feel the intensity and pride in belonging to the brown genetics when he says “PUNJABI AA GAYE OYE!” around the world. Whether or not you belong to Punjab, it is a thing of beauty to see your fellow countryman do wonders at the highest stage. Diljit is certainly not just a singer—he’s the face of a movement.
• Punjabi music has gone international. From Karan Aujla to AP Dhillon to Sidhu Moosewala, Punjabi artists are leading India’s music scene.
• Western collabs are happening. Imagine a full-fledged Drake x Diljit track? World domination loading…
• You don’t need Bollywood to make it big anymore. If you have raw talent and vision, the world is listening.
With Coachella done and global fans growing, what’s next?
• A Grammy nomination? Don’t be surprised.
• A full international tour? Already in progress.
• A Hollywood movie cameo? Wouldn’t put it past him.
While we’ve had absolute legends of music in our country from the past, one thing is clear: Diljit Dosanjh is India’s first truly global music icon—not just by recognition, but by hype. Bollywood stars can fight for clout, but this man is already winning.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life.
And as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day and nor did Diljit’s stardom as he reached his prime. But how did this happen? How did Diljit Dosanjh reach heights which potentially nobody has ever seen in India considering the fact that he is not just a singer—but a performer, an entertainer, and one of the finest actors in our country.
How Diljit Became India’s Biggest Global Music Star
An image of Diljit.
Diljit Dosanjh is the first Indian to shut down Coachella like a boss. In 2023, he made history by becoming the first Indian artist to perform at one of the world’s biggest music festivals. But it wasn’t just about being present at the show, just showing up or even perform during a little slotted segment at the event. NO. He OWNED that stage. From the “G.O.A.T” Album to “Moon Child Era,” his entire set went viral, with international celebs grooving to his forever enjoyable vocals.
Bollywood Tries, But Can’t Keep Up
Even in movies, while Bollywood struggles with flops, Diljit’s film Jogi made waves, and Chamkila became a Netflix masterpiece.
When International Artists Know Your Name
A picture of Diljit Dosanjh
When Diljit started collaborating with Ed Sheeran, Tory Lanez, and Saweetie, you knew he had already crossed into the global scene.
• Ed Sheeran showing up at Diljit’s Show? Iconic moment.
• Rumours of Diljit dating Taylor Swift? Internet meltdown.
• Sia singing in Punjabi? That’s VERY mainstream.
The Punjabi Takeover is REAL
Diljit Dosanjh at the Jimmy Falcon show.
You can feel the intensity and pride in belonging to the brown genetics when he says “PUNJABI AA GAYE OYE!” around the world. Whether or not you belong to Punjab, it is a thing of beauty to see your fellow countryman do wonders at the highest stage. Diljit is certainly not just a singer—he’s the face of a movement.
• Punjabi music has gone international. From Karan Aujla to AP Dhillon to Sidhu Moosewala, Punjabi artists are leading India’s music scene.
• Western collabs are happening. Imagine a full-fledged Drake x Diljit track? World domination loading…
• You don’t need Bollywood to make it big anymore. If you have raw talent and vision, the world is listening.
What’s Next? Diljit x Hollywood? Grammy Incoming?
Diljit Dosanjh during the Dilluminati Tour.
With Coachella done and global fans growing, what’s next?
• A Grammy nomination? Don’t be surprised.
• A full international tour? Already in progress.
• A Hollywood movie cameo? Wouldn’t put it past him.
While we’ve had absolute legends of music in our country from the past, one thing is clear: Diljit Dosanjh is India’s first truly global music icon—not just by recognition, but by hype. Bollywood stars can fight for clout, but this man is already winning.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life.