Dancer backs out of Diljit’s Europe Tour amid payment controversy

In a troubling development for the ongoing Dil-Luminati Tour, dancer Shilpa Sajan has withdrawn from the Europe leg, citing serious concerns over unpaid dues and unprofessional management practices. This follows a wave of accusations against Diljit Dosanjh's management regarding non-payment during his North American tour just months prior.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Sajan expressed her disappointment, stating, “An opportunity I was super excited about, but the dance industry has shown its true colours once again. Riddled with unprofessionalism, egos, and total disrespect for dancers, I was told ‘that’s just how Indians work.’ No celebrity is worth giving up your self-respect, @diljitdosanjh.”

Sajan, who was initially promised a paid role as a backup dancer, quickly realized that the compensation was far from adequate—she was left struggling to cover her own travel and lodging expenses with a mere £80 pay. She also highlighted alarming issues such as ignored messages, last-minute cut-offs of dancers, and a lack of focus on rehearsals, all of which severely impacted the performances.

The situation has sparked widespread outrage online, with many users rallying behind Sajan.

As Diljit prepares for a sold-out leg of his Dil-Luminati Tour in India, commencing on October 26 in New Delhi and concluding on December 29 in Guwahati, the dance community is left grappling with questions about fair treatment and respect for artists within the industry.