Diljit’s Views on Bollywood:

Diljit, although he’s made his mark in both Pollywood (Punjabi Cinema) and Bollywood, has often been vocal about the differences between the two industries. He seems to appreciate the freedom and authenticity he experiences in the Punjabi film industry, which, in his words, is less constrained by the pressures and expectations of commercial success that dominate Bollywood.

Here’s a rundown of some key moments where Diljit has made his mark in Bollywood discourse:

1. The Kangana Ranaut Twitter Feud

This one was iconic. In 2020, the Kangana-Diljit feud started with Kangana criticizing a protest by farmers in Punjab. Diljit, who’s been an active advocate for farmers’ rights, didn’t hesitate to call her out on Twitter.

• The Twitter exchange:
  Diljit responded to a tweet from Kangana where she mocked an elderly woman protesting at the farmers’ protest, calling her a “terrorist.” Diljit’s response was epic—he called out Kangana for her disrespect towards farmers, and in a very witty tone, he responded with “Kangana, who?” while laughing off her attempts at provocation.

• Why this blew up:
  The viral #DiljitVsKangana moment turned into a massive meme fest, with Diljit gaining serious respect for standing up for the protestors and calling out Kangana. He managed to deflect personal attacks with humor and sarcasm, staying cool while giving Bollywood a glimpse into his authenticity and Punjabi roots.

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2. Diljit’s Independence from Bollywood

Diljit is one of the few actors who chooses his projects carefully. Despite having a few Bollywood films under his belt, he isn’t afraid to call out Bollywood’s lack of creativity and the pressure to conform to “mass entertainment.”

• The Bollywood-Audience Disconnect:
  In a few interviews, Diljit mentioned that he’s often not interested in doing the typical Bollywood movies that follow the same formula (romantic dramas, high-budget action films, etc.). He prefers to choose films with unique and challenging roles, often inspired by real-life stories (like in "Udta Punjab" where he played a cop battling drug addiction).

• Punjabi Cinema & Originality:
  Diljit also draws attention to how Pollywood (Punjabi cinema) is more “grounded” and in touch with the real culture of Punjab. He’s been known to point out that many Bollywood films lack the authenticity of regional stories and that Punjabi cinema speaks to a more raw and honest audience. This has been a point of pride for him, and it’s one of the reasons he often highlights the potential of the Punjabi film industry in his interviews and social media.

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3. The ‘Good Newwz’ and ‘Udta Punjab’ Approach

While Diljit continues to work in Bollywood, his role choices show that he doesn’t just follow the pack.

• Udta Punjab (2016):
  His role as a police officer fighting the drug menace in Punjab was groundbreaking. It was a film that addressed serious issues, and Diljit brought a level of sincerity and emotion that stood out in the industry. The film was a critically acclaimed hit and one of his best performances.

• Good Newwz (2019):
  In this comedy about sperm donor mix-ups, Diljit played a quirky yet charming character opposite Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. He was praised for his comic timing and for playing roles that are far from stereotypical.

Despite this, he doesn’t limit himself to being just a Bollywood actor. He still pursues music (his albums are a huge hit), and his Punjabi music scene continues to shine brightly.

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4. Diljit and Bollywood’s Nepotism Debate

Like many outsiders in the industry, Diljit has expressed his discomfort with Bollywood's favoritism towards insiders. He’s been quite open about the struggles of outsider artists—those who don’t have connections but still want to make it big in Bollywood.

While he’s never directly called out nepotism (like others in the industry), his choice to remain true to his roots in Punjabi cinema while occasionally stepping into Bollywood to do selective roles shows his stance. He’s been clear about not getting boxed into Bollywood’s “star-system” and carving his own path.

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5. Diljit’s Relationship with the Bollywood Media

Diljit’s relationship with Bollywood’s media is another topic of interest. He’s been known to respond sarcastically to rumors and false reports. Instead of giving the press the typical Bollywood “spin,” Diljit often keeps it real on his social media, letting people know when they get things wrong. His responses are generally hilarious and refreshing, as he doesn’t feed into the drama or gossip of the industry.