Why are pro-Khalistan groups targeting Amitabh Bachchan and Diljit Dosanjh? 1984 Sikh Riots allegations, KBC appearance and latest threats explained

A television appearance, a gesture of respect and allegations dating back more than four decades have once again brought Amitabh Bachchan and Diljit Dosanjh into the middle of a politically charged controversy. A threat email reportedly sent to Mumbai's civic body has raised concerns over the security of the Bollywood megastar and the Punjabi singer-actor, with warnings of a grenade attack at Bachchan's residence and a possible suicide attack at Diljit's upcoming concert. The threats have brought an old dispute involving the 1984 anti-Sikh riots back into the spotlight, with pro-Khalistan organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) repeatedly criticising the two celebrities over their association. But how did Amitabh Bachchan become embroiled in the controversy, and why has Diljit Dosanjh faced criticism for appearing on Kaun Banega Crorepati? Here is a look at the events that connect the two stars.

Amitabh Bachchan 1984 Sikh Riots Allegations: What Is The Controversy?

The controversy surrounding Amitabh Bachchan dates back to October 31, 1984, when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards. The assassination was followed by widespread anti-Sikh violence across several parts of India, particularly Delhi.

Over the years, certain Sikh organisations and individuals have accused Bachchan of allegedly encouraging violence against the Sikh community. The allegations centre on claims that he shouted the slogan, "Khoon ka badla khoon se lenge", which translates to blood for blood, on television following Gandhi's assassination.

Bachchan has consistently denied these allegations. The accusations, however, have continued to resurface, particularly during occasions involving the actor and Sikh religious institutions.

One such instance occurred in 2011, when Bachchan was invited to attend the inauguration of the Virasat-e-Khalsa heritage complex in Punjab. The event was scheduled to take place at Sri Anandpur Sahib, a location of immense religious significance to Sikhs.

Amid objections from sections of the Sikh community, the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of the Sikh faith, asked the actor not to attend the ceremony.

Amitabh Bachchan Letter To Akal Takht: What Did He Say?

On November 28, 2011, Bachchan wrote to the then Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Gurbachan Singh, expressing anguish over the allegations and firmly denying any involvement in the violence. In his letter, the actor described the accusations as "wild, irresponsible and most unfounded allegations" and said they had caused him considerable distress.

Bachchan also clarified that he had accepted the Punjab government's invitation to attend the inauguration of the Khalsa Heritage Complex. However, he eventually decided against attending the ceremony to avoid causing embarrassment at the historic event.

Addressing the allegations directly, he wrote that claims suggesting he was part of a crowd that raised anti-Sikh slogans were a "preposterous and blatant lie". The actor further emphasised his family's longstanding relationship with the Nehru-Gandhi family, which he said was rooted in their shared connection to Allahabad.

He also highlighted his mother's Sikh background, stating that Teji Bachchan came from a Sikh family.

Bachchan described the 1984 violence as a dark chapter in India's history and said the incidents would always remain a blot on the country's secular credentials. However, his letter did not bring the matter to a close. The Akal Takht indefinitely deferred consideration of his plea rather than issuing a ruling clearing him of the allegations.

Amitabh Bachchan 1984 Controversy: Legal Action In 2014 And 2015

The controversy resurfaced in 2014 when the All India Sikh Students Federation demanded that a criminal case be registered against Bachchan. The organisation also called for a boycott of his films and television appearances.

The matter subsequently reached the United States, where a civil lawsuit alleged human rights violations linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. Bachchan was issued a summons in connection with the proceedings. In 2015, SFJ pursued further legal action in the US, seeking a judgment in absentia after alleging that the actor had failed to respond to the summons.

These proceedings involved allegations made in civil litigation and did not establish Bachchan's guilt.

Diljit Dosanjh KBC Appearance: Why Did SFJ Criticise The Singer?

The controversy returned to the headlines in October 2025, when Diljit Dosanjh appeared on the 17th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan. Unlike a conventional celebrity appearance, Diljit's visit had a specific purpose. The singer-actor wanted to highlight the devastating floods in Punjab and encourage people to contribute towards relief efforts.

After winning Rs 50 lakh on the show, Diljit pledged the entire prize money towards flood relief and rehabilitation. During the episode, Diljit touched Bachchan's feet as a mark of respect. The veteran actor warmly embraced him and introduced him as "Punjab da puttar".

The moment, however, attracted criticism from SFJ, which accused Diljit of disrespecting the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. The organisation alleged that the singer had insulted the victims, widows and orphans affected by the violence. SFJ also issued threats against both celebrities.

According to reports, the controversy subsequently raised security concerns around Bachchan, while SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun warned of an attempt to disrupt Diljit's November 1, 2025, concert in Australia.

Diljit Dosanjh Response To Khalistan Threats: What Did He Say?

Diljit did not immediately respond to SFJ directly. Instead, during his Brisbane concert, he spoke about love, faith and his belief in unity. The singer said his message would remain one of love, regardless of criticism or trolling.

He later clarified his reasons for appearing on Kaun Banega Crorepati through his Instagram Stories.

Diljit explained that he had not visited the show to promote a film or a song. His intention, he said, was to bring attention to the Punjab floods and encourage people to donate. Despite his clarification, the controversy continued. Pro-Khalistan slogans were reportedly raised at one of his concerts in Perth, while his upcoming Auckland show in New Zealand also faced threats of disruption.

Diljit Dosanjh Calgary Concert 2026: Why Did He Confront Protesters?

In April 2026, Diljit stopped his Calgary concert midway after spotting audience members waving Khalistan flags. Addressing the crowd, he defended his decision to appear on Bachchan's television show and said he had consistently used prominent platforms to highlight Punjab's concerns.

Diljit also referred to his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, explaining that he had discussed Punjab and the Guru Nanak Jahaz incident rather than using the platform to promote entertainment projects. The singer subsequently clarified his position on Instagram, stressing that his objection was not to flags or banners but to attempts to intimidate his fans and disrupt his performances.

He said that people were free to protest outside venues, but attempts to enter and harass concertgoers would not be tolerated. Diljit also urged people not to spread misleading narratives about his comments, reiterating that his focus had always been on Punjab and its concerns.

Amitabh Bachchan And Diljit Dosanjh Latest Threat: What Happens Next?

The latest reported threat has once again brought the controversy into focus. According to a report by The Indian Express, a person identifying himself as Smith Johnson allegedly threatened to target Bachchan's Mumbai residence with a grenade on October 31 and carry out a suicide attack at Diljit's concert at Mahalaxmi Racecourse on November 27.

The reported threat is the second such incident involving the two celebrities in less than a year.

Both Bachchan and Diljit are yet to issue statements regarding the latest threat.

While the allegations surrounding the 1984 anti-Sikh violence remain deeply contentious, the renewed threats have raised concerns about the safety of public figures and concert audiences. The controversy also highlights how a decades-old dispute continues to influence the public lives of two of India's most prominent entertainers.