Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has reflected on the financial struggles of his early years, revealing that he performed at weddings, birthday parties and other events for as little as Rs 5,000 before finding success in music and films.
Speaking to Q with Tom Power, the singer-actor said growing up in a financially struggling family shaped both his outlook and work ethic. "It was like a below-average family. If you got sick, you wouldn't have money to go to the doctor, so don't get sick because you don't have money," he recalled.
Dosanjh said his perspective changed after releasing his debut album in 2002, when he realised live performances could provide a more reliable source of income than record sales. He admitted he was initially reluctant to perform at birthday parties and weddings but accepted the offers because he was under contract with his music company. "It's amazing. There's so much money in that field," he said.
The singer soon realised that album sales alone would not provide financial security. "I didn't say no to anybody. If someone offered Rs 5,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 15,000, I said yes. I didn't say no to anybody. I went everywhere day and night," he said.Agencies