The 42-year-old artist says he accepted every performance opportunity that came his way and never turned down an offer, regardless of how small the payment was
MUMBAI: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 2nd, 2026) Indian singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has reflected on his early struggles, revealing that he once performed at birthday parties and weddings for modest fees to support himself and his family.
Speaking to Indian media, the 42-year-old artist said he accepted every performance opportunity that came his way and never turned down an offer, regardless of how small the payment was.
Diljit said his family's financial hardships motivated him to work tirelessly in pursuit of a better future. He recalled growing up in a household with below-average income, where there were times when the family could not even afford to visit a doctor during illness.
The singer said he always dreamed of becoming successful and financially secure. After releasing his debut album, Ishq Da Uda Ada, in 2002, he began receiving offers to perform at private events, including birthday celebrations.
He said the first payment he received for a performance convinced him that live shows could become his career path. According to Diljit, he readily accepted offers ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs15,000 and travelled wherever he was invited, performing day and night without refusing any event.
Diljit added that live performances soon became his Primary source of income because they offered better financial opportunities than other aspects of the music industry.
However, he noted that some senior figures in the Punjabi music industry viewed performances at weddings unfavourably, despite the fact that such events played a significant role in helping him establish his career.
Today, Diljit Dosanjh is regarded as one of India's most successful Punjabi artists, with an international fan base and performances at major global events, but he said his early experiences continue to remind him of the value of hard work and perseverance.
