Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh believes India has the potential to host music festivals larger than global icons like Coachella. During a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on New Year’s Day, the 40-year-old star shared his thoughts on India’s cultural and musical legacy.

PM Modi asked Diljit about his experiences performing at international festivals, including Coachella in April 2023. In response, Diljit expressed his belief that while festivals like Coachella have achieved great scale, India could take such events to even greater heights. "People travel from all over the world for such festivals," he said, adding that India’s rich cultural heritage and natural talent could draw international audiences.

Diljit emphasized how music is deeply woven into India’s culture, highlighting the extraordinary talent found in everyday people, even those without formal training. He recalled hearing a spontaneous Rajasthani song at a dhaba, so beautiful that it made him question his own professional singing abilities. "If this development happens here, people from all over the world will come," he added.

The prime minister shared his thoughts on the matter, stating that he had been contemplating such ideas for years. He mentioned the upcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit, set for February 5 to 9, as a step towards showcasing India’s potential in the creative industries. "Most of the world’s films are made here. The biggest creative industry is in India. I am trying to make India the center of the creative world through Waves," PM Modi said.

PM Modi also reflected on a conversation with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel about music, explaining how music in India varies from region to region and based on the time of day or the emotional context. "She was very interested," he shared.

Diljit also spoke about his successful Dil-Luminati India Tour, which spanned two months from October 26 to December 31, covering cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru. He described it as the largest tour of its kind from India. "We performed in so many countries, did so many stadium shows," he said, reflecting on the unity he felt during his travels. "I understood why we say 'Mera Bharat Mahaan.'"

PM Modi praised Diljit for staying humble despite his fame and encouraged him to raise awareness about environmental issues through his shows, noting the strong environmental consciousness of Indian people.