Recently, a viral video featured acclaimed Bollywood actor and singer Ayushmann Khurrana passionately performing the patriotic song Dil Dil Pakistan at a concert venue. Originally composed and released by the Pakistani band Vital Signs in 1987, the song’s widespread popularity has earned it the status of an “unofficial national anthem” among Pakistanis.
Following Ayushmann’s rendition, internet users from both sides of the border expressed diverse opinions. Criticism emerged from many Indians on social media, particularly in the wake of Ayushmann’s attendance at the Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony. Some called for a boycott, with one user on a microblogging platform urging, “Boycott Ayushmann Khurrana. Exile him to go live in Pakistan.” Another critic expressed disappointment, stating, “A two-faced man like Ayushmann can only be found in Bollywood. So, Ram Mandir was just a publicity stunt. Today, he’s lost all my respect.”
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Additionally, some seized the controversy to critique Ayushmann’s vocal performance. “Well. To be very honest, he has sung it so bad, that it’s almost a disrespect to the song. He has turned the song into trash. What an unmelodic rendition, lol. I’m sure even Pakistanis are lamenting this stranded Pakistani,” read one post mocking Ayushmann’s singing abilities.
Others questioned Ayushmann’s motives and criticized his decision to attend the Ram Mandir ceremony. “These Bollywood clowns would do anything for money. I don’t know why this guy was called to the Ram Mandir ceremony,” questioned one critic. Another angry post stated, “The clown Ayushmann was singing Dil Dil Pakistan when Pakistanis were killing our soldiers and innocent citizens. Modi invited him to Ram Mandir’s opening day and he is doing this.”
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For Pakistani internet users, the Indian singer’s rendition further underscores the artistry of Dil Dil Pakistan. One such fan wrote on X, “Much respect for Ayushmann while another insisted, “Dil Dil Pakistan so good that even our parosis (neighbors) sing it with all passion. I think we should keep music and art far away from politics and hate.”
However, there’s more context to consider than what disgruntled social media users are aware of. Reports from The Quint and Times of India reveal that the viral clip actually originates from a 2017 concert in Dubai where Ayushmann was acknowledging his fans from various Indian states. In contrast to the truncated viral clip, a longer version is available online, showcasing Ayushmann giving shoutouts to fans from Punjab, Bengal, and other regions.
The segment in question was part of a musical lineup that included performances like “Chak De India,” in which Ayushmann participated alongside his brother Aparshakti Khurrana. According to The Quint, Ayushmann prefaced his rendition of “Dil Dil Pakistan” with the words, “This one is for our Pakistani friends,” before segueing into “Chak De India.”
Ayushmann’s PR team also confirmed that the footage is indeed from the 2017 Dubai concert, where Ayushmann and Ali Zafar shared the stage to promote harmonious relations between Pakistan and India. The timing of the video’s resurgence, just days after Ayushmann participated in the Ram Mandir event, has amplified the backlash.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the consecration of a grand temple dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Ram on January 22, in an event celebrated by the Hindu majority of India, believed to be the deity’s birthplace.
Ayushmann was among the numerous luminaries from entertainment, politics, and business invited to attend the consecration ceremony. Notable figures such as Rajinikanth, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ram Charan, Dipika Chikhalia, Arun Govil, Kangana Ranaut, and others also graced the high-profile occasion.