Diljit Dosanjh gets academic honour by Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in Canada

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in Canada has announced a new academic course focused on actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh’s influence on global pop culture, music and the diaspora. The groundbreaking course — the first of its kind for a Punjabi artist in Canada — will be offered by The Creative School at TMU and is expected to begin in late 2026.

“Diljit 101”: Canadian University to Teach a Course on the Punjabi Pop Star

The announcement was made at the Billboard Summit during NXNE in Toronto, further cementing Dosanjh’s growing international influence as a global icon. His journey from regional stardom to the international stage is now being recognised not just by fans, but by academia.

Culture, Identity & Beats: TMU Turns Spotlight on Diljit’s Diaspora Influence

Dr. Charlie Wall-Andrews, Assistant Professor at The Creative School, stated that the course will examine Dosanjh’s career through the lens of culture, identity, and global music entrepreneurship. The curriculum aims to explore how regional sounds like Punjabi music shape global pop trends and mobilise diasporic communities. The decision to create this course is seen as a powerful recognition of Diljit’s cultural influence across continents.

New Song With Chinese singer Jackson Wang Flops in India Despite Global Hype

However, Dosanjh’s rising global presence hasn’t come without turbulence. Earlier this year, he released ‘Buck’, a collaboration with Chinese K-pop singer Jackson Wang in India. While the track drew attention internationally, the response in India was underwhelming. Critics described the domestic reception as “muted,” raising questions about his resonance at home even as he soars abroad. Bollywood’s only PR guru Dale Bhagwagar is said to have called it PR misalignment.

Casting Chaos: Pakistani Actress in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Triggers Boycott Calls in India

The firestorm intensified with Dosanjh’s upcoming film, ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, which features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a lead role. The casting has ignited widespread backlash in India, with industry bodies and commentators calling for a boycott and a nationwide ban on the film.

‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Set to Skip Theatres Across the Nation

In response to the controversy, producers have confirmed that ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ will not release in India, opting instead for a global rollout. The decision comes amid heightened political tensions and public sentiment following recent national events.

Diplomatic Drama

Adding to the sensitivity is the ongoing surge in Khalistani protests in Canada, particularly in cities like Calgary and Vancouver. These demonstrations — often laced with anti-India rhetoric — have alarmed Indian authorities. India has formally raised the issue with Canadian officials, pointing to the presence of pro-Khalistan extremist groups operating openly and using Canada as a base for propaganda and fundraising.

FWICE Demands Passport Cancellation & Industry Blackout for Diljit

In a dramatic escalation, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has condemned Diljit and the Sardaar Ji 3 team. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior government officials, FWICE labeled the casting decision as a “wilful affront to the sovereignty, dignity, and security of India.” They have demanded cancellation of Indian citizenship and passports of all involved and called for a total industry boycott.

The letter went on to say that such choices defy official directives and insult the sacrifices made by Indian armed forces, urging exhibitors, distributors, and film bodies to sever ties with the team behind Sardaar Ji 3.

Academic Honour or National Insult? Debate Rages Over TMU’s New Course Announcement

While TMU’s course on Diljit Dosanjh represents a landmark academic moment for Punjabi and South Asian representation in global pop culture studies, it has arrived at a deeply polarised moment. As Dosanjh straddles success on the global stage, he remains a polarising figure in India, where nationalist sentiment, political tensions, and cultural sensitivities are running high.