In a heated exchange on X (formerly Twitter), comedian Vir Das responded to a fiery accusation that he and singer Diljit Dosanjh are “denigrating India” at international events. The controversial remarks were made by X user Kartikeya Tanna, who labeled the two as “very mediocre artists” being “propped up” by global powers to undermine India’s soft power.
Tanna’s post didn’t hold back, accusing both Vir and Diljit of following a “script” that indirectly damages India’s global image. He questioned their rapid rise to international fame, hinting that their associations with top celebrities and performances at global events have a hidden agenda. Tanna even dragged Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau into the mix, claiming Trudeau’s recent appearance at a Diljit concert was part of this orchestrated effort to separate the artist’s identity from India by calling him a “guy from Punjab.”
Have you ever wondered why two very, very mediocre artists - Diljit Dosanjh and Vir Das - have suddenly been propped up to global scale fame?
— Kartikeya Tanna (@KartikeyaTanna) October 6, 2024
They’re suddenly benefiting from liaisons with top celebrities and getting gigs at top global events.
Justin Trudeau went all the way to…
In a sharp retort, Vir Das brushed off the allegations with sarcasm, stating, “I love conspiracy nuts,” and emphasized that his career has spanned over 15 years, during which he has built his audience organically by selling tickets and booking venues himself. He further added, “My audience props me up. And when it comes to India and pride, I think my audience is mature enough to know honest conversations are the highest form of love.”
I love conspiracy nuts 🙂 I also love the insinuation that one has suddenly been propped up. I sell tickets, so does Diljit. I personally pay rental for every venue I book across the world, and go directly to audiences who are kind enough to come see me. I’ve done so for fifteen… https://t.co/ElF1Y7E55e
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) October 7, 2024
The accusation comes at a time when both Vir and Diljit are making waves internationally. While Vir is preparing for his Mindfool World Tour across 33 countries and will be hosting the prestigious International Emmy Awards in New York, Diljit is in the midst of his Dil-Luminati Tour, with concerts abroad and an upcoming India leg of the tour starting in Delhi this month.
Despite the backlash, both artists continue to dominate the global entertainment scene, but the controversy raises questions about the fine line between artistic expression and national pride. With fans divided, the debate on whether these international icons are uplifting or undermining India’s image is far from over.