In a recent controversy surrounding Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati Tour, Los Angeles-based choreographer Rajat Batta has accused Dosanjh of non-payment to the dancers who performed during the tour. This claim has sparked discussions about the treatment and valuation of Desi dancers in the entertainment industry.
Diljit Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati Tour, which garnered significant acclaim and solidified Dosanjh's status as an international icon, has come under scrutiny following Batta's public allegations.
The tour, noted for its sold-out shows across North America, featured extensive choreography and performances by dancers who, according to Batta, have not received their due compensation.
Rajat Batta, in an Instagram post, expressed his disappointment and frustration with the situation. He wrote, "While we as a Desi Dance Community are really proud of a Desi Artist breaking glass ceilings and doing sold out tours across North America... I still feel deeply disappointed that Desi Dancers are still undervalued as an industry. All of the Desi Dancers in Diljit's Dil-Luminati Tour were not paid, and just expected to perform for free."
Batta's post highlighted the critical role that dancers play in the success of such tours, emphasizing that their contribution should be recognized and fairly compensated.
The choreographer's note further elaborated on the significance of the Desi Dance industry, which he described as a "lifeblood for artists" that significantly contributes to the ecosystem of the industry. He stressed that the non-payment issue was not just about the financial aspect but also about respecting and valuing the work and effort of the dancers. "It's really disappointing to see an artist of this caliber cut corners by stepping on throats of Desi Dancer industry and continue to attribute to that culture," he added.
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Rajat Batta's post has ignited a conversation about the broader issues within the entertainment industry, particularly concerning the treatment of supporting artists like dancers. The post concluded with a direct message to Dosanjh: "Diljit, we are very happy for your success, but your dancers should have been paid and been a part of the production budget."
The allegations have cast a shadow over the otherwise successful tour, with many fans and industry insiders awaiting a response from Dosanjh and his team. This incident has also brought to light the often-overlooked struggles of dancers and supporting artists in the entertainment industry, who frequently face challenges regarding fair compensation and recognition.
Diljit Dosanjh, known for his contributions to both the music and film industries, has not yet publicly addressed the allegations. His career, which started with his debut album "Dil" in 2002, has seen him release 13 studio albums, one extended play, and 41 singles. Dosanjh gained international recognition with his 11th album, G.O.A.T, which entered the top 20 in the Canadian Albums Chart. His 12th album, MoonChild Era, also performed well, charting at number 32 on the Canadian Albums Chart.
In addition to his music career, Dosanjh has made significant strides in Bollywood. He debuted in Hindi cinema with Abhishek Chaubey's "Udta Punjab" and has since acted in films like "Phillauri," "Welcome to New York," "Soorma," "Arjun Patiala," "Good Newwz," and "Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari." He has recently been signed for Boney Kapoor's "No Entry" sequel, co-starring Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor.
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