Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has once again at the centre of online discussion after reports claimed that he may no longer hold Indian citizenship and has been travelling on a US passport. The claims have sparked widespread debate on social media, especially because Diljit has built his public image strongly around Punjabi identity and often introduces himself globally as someone “from Punjab.” However, the actor-singer has not publicly confirmed any change in his nationality so far.
‘Main hoon Punjab, but not Indian’: Diljit Dosanjh acquired US citizenship in 2022, not eligible for Indian politics without regaining citizenship, says report https://t.co/JnIwa2VyRe
— The Tribune (@thetribunechd) May 14, 2026
Reports claim Diljit acquired US citizenship in 2022
According to a report by The Indian Express, Diljit Dosanjh is believed to have obtained US citizenship in 2022. The report claimed that after acquiring American nationality, he stopped holding an Indian passport and has reportedly been travelling to India on an e-visa since September 2022.
The report further suggested that he may not hold an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card either. It also stated that Diljit used a US passport during his recent visits to India, which added fuel to the growing speculation online.
The development has surprised many fans because Diljit has remained one of the most recognised Indian-origin Punjabi artists globally. Despite reports of him allegedly holding American citizenship now, he continues to work actively in Indian cinema and music. Earlier this year, he appeared in Border 2, where he played Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, the only Indian Air Force officer to receive the Param Vir Chakra.
As per the report, Diljit’s last Indian passport was reportedly issued in Mumbai in 2018, while an earlier passport had been issued in Zambia. The report also claimed that his wife, Sandeep Kaur, is a US citizen and that he had listed a luxury property in California as his residential address during the citizenship process.
‘Main Hoon Punjab’ image sparks fresh debate
The citizenship discussion has become even more controversial because Diljit Dosanjh has consistently projected himself as a proud Punjabi on global platforms. Over the years, he has repeatedly used the phrase “Main Hoon Punjab” and has often highlighted Punjab first while introducing himself internationally.
While Diljit strongly promotes Punjabi identity around the world, reports claim that he may have already taken American citizenship and has been entering India for concerts and professional commitments using e-visas.
The debate intensified further after several users pointed out that during international appearances, including interviews and global shows, Diljit often introduces himself simply as “from Punjab” instead of saying he is from India. This is not an isolated lapse; it is a pattern repeated across global appearances, from Coachella to Western media interviews.
Patterns are rarely accidental.
Repeatedly separating Punjab from India on global platforms creates unnecessary political messaging.
The discussion has also linked back to larger debates around Khalistan-linked narratives within sections of the Punjabi diaspora abroad. Because in today’s geopolitical reality, such framing does not exist in a vacuum.
The Khalistan movement is not about cultural assertion; it is an explicitly political project with terror roots that seeks the territorial dismemberment of India.
It constructs India as an adversary, calls for the balkanisation of the country, and has historically justified violent means to carve out a separate state. While marginal within India today, it continues to find resonance in pockets of the diaspora, where distance often amplifies distortion.
Diljit rejects political entry calls
Interestingly, the reports surfaced shortly after a Punjab-based group of retired IAS officers, defence personnel, and professionals urged Diljit Dosanjh to enter politics and take up a leadership role in the state.
Responding to the appeal on the social media platform X, Diljit dismissed the suggestion. He wrote, “Kadey v nahi. Mera kaam entertainment karna,” meaning, “Never. My only job is to entertain.”
So far, Diljit Dosanjh has remained silent on the citizenship controversy itself. Neither he nor his team has issued any clarification regarding the reports claiming that he now holds a US passport.
Diljit Dosanjh recently courted controversy after his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he introduced himself repeatedly as being “from Punjab” without mentioning India. It was not an isolated instance but part of a broader pattern in his global appearances, from Coachella to Western interviews, where Punjab is foregrounded while India is omitted. Diljit faced public backlash because the repeated decoupling of Punjab from India carries political undertones, especially given the sensitive backdrop of the Khalistan separatist movement and diaspora politics. The recent episode of Diljit relinquishing Indian citizenship has only added fuel to fire.
