December 15, 2024: Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh made a special dedication during his ‘Dil-Luminati’ concert in Chandigarh on Saturday, honoring Gukesh Dommaraju, who recently made history by becoming the youngest-ever International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Champion. The concert was a celebration of Gukesh’s remarkable achievement, and Diljit took to social media to share a heartfelt message.
In his Instagram post, Diljit expressed his admiration for Gukesh, praising the young chess prodigy for his hard work, dedication, and focus. He also noted how Gukesh’s journey, from facing challenges to reaching the pinnacle of world chess, serves as an inspiration to all. Diljit highlighted the importance of persistence and resilience in overcoming life’s obstacles, underscoring that those who know how to tackle challenges end up achieving their goals.
Gukesh’s Victory: Gukesh Dommaraju’s historic win came on Thursday, when he triumphed over China’s Ding Liren in the FIDE World Championship final. The match was tightly contested, with the two competitors tied at 6.5-6.5 heading into the final game. However, Gukesh sealed the victory with a brilliant performance, claiming a 7.5-6.5 win. His victory not only made him the youngest FIDE World Champion but also brought significant pride to India.
Diljit also referenced the famous line from the movie Pushpa, “Jhukega Nahi,” in his own unique way, saying “Saala nahi jhukega toh kya jija jhuk jayega” (If I won’t bend, will my brother-in-law bend?), a playful twist on the character’s resilient spirit.
‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ Box Office Success: In a related development, Diljit also indirectly referenced the massive success of Pushpa 2: The Rule, which has become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2024. The film, directed by Sukumar and starring Allu Arjun in the lead role, has raked in Rs 1,000 crore worldwide within just a week of its release. This is a huge milestone for Indian cinema, with the film continuing to break box office records.
Chandigarh Commission Advisory: During the concert, Diljit received some attention for his previous song content. The Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) had issued an advisory ahead of the concert, urging him to avoid performing songs that promote alcohol, drugs, or violence, such as “Patiala Peg”, “5 Tara”, and “Case.” This advisory, issued by CCPCR chairperson Shipra Bansal, followed similar concerns raised earlier by the Telangana government, which had also served Diljit a legal notice regarding the content of his performances.
The advisory is in line with ongoing concerns from various bodies about the portrayal of alcohol and violence in popular music. Diljit’s concerts have frequently included energetic renditions of his chart-topping songs, but he has been urged to modify his setlist to ensure that it aligns with responsible messaging.
The Presence of Political Figures: The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s wife, who joined the celebration. Diljit’s concert, a major cultural event in Chandigarh, underscored the influence he holds in both the entertainment and cultural spheres.
This blend of entertainment and sports celebrations at the concert not only paid tribute to Gukesh Dommaraju but also reflected the growing influence of Indian artists in connecting sports, cinema, and music with their audiences.
