In the vibrant landscape of the Punjabi Entertainment Industry, a multitude of gifted individuals, including singers, rappers, and actors, have risen to prominence. Among these rising stars, Shubhneet Singh, known as Shubh, garnered significant attention in 2021. He rapidly gained fame with his debut single “Don’t Look,” featuring Irman Thiara. However, it was his breakthrough tracks like “We Rollin,” followed by “Elevated” and “Offshore,” that propelled him to sensational status. In anticipation of his India tour, the Canadian-based Punjabi singer found himself embroiled in controversy over allegations of supporting separatist Khalistani elements. Subsequently, the tour was canceled, and notable figures like Virat Kohli unfollowed him. Now, Shubh has finally broken his silence on these allegations.
Taking to his Instagram account on Thursday, Shubh expressed his profound disappointment with recent developments in his career. He stated, “As a young rapper-singer hailing from Punjab, India, it was my lifelong dream to showcase my music on an international platform. However, recent events have dashed my hard work and progress. I feel compelled to convey my dismay and sorrow. The cancellation of my tour in India has left me extremely disheartened. I was brimming with excitement and enthusiasm to perform in my homeland, in front of my fellow countrymen. The preparations were in full swing, and I devoted my heart and soul to rehearsals for the past two months. I was exhilarated, joyful, and fully prepared to take the stage. Yet, fate had other plans.”
He continued, “India is MY country as well. I was born here. It is the land of my GURUS and my ANCESTORS, who spared no sacrifice for the freedom of this nation, for its honor, and for our families. Punjab is my soul; it courses through my veins. Whatever I have achieved today is a direct result of being a Punjabi. Punjabis do not need to prove their patriotism. Throughout history, Punjabis have laid down their lives for the independence of our nation. Therefore, I humbly request that we refrain from labeling every Punjabi as a separatist or anti-national.”
Shubh also clarified his perspective on the Instagram story that ignited the controversy. He shared, “My intention in reposting that story on my profile was solely to express solidarity with Punjab, as there were reports of electricity and internet disruptions across the state. There was no ulterior motive, and I certainly did not intend to offend anyone’s sentiments. The accusations against me have deeply affected me. However, as my guru has taught me, ‘ਮਾਨਸ ਕੀ ਜਾਤ ਸਬੈ ਏਕੈ ਪਹਿਚਾਨਬੋ’ (‘Manas Ki Jaat Sabai Ekai Pachanbo,’ recognizing all human beings as one and the same), and it has instilled in me the courage to remain unafraid and undeterred, the essence of Punjabiyat. I will persevere with unwavering dedication. My team and I will return, more resilient and united.”
Shubh was scheduled to perform in Mumbai from September 23 to 25 as part of the Cruise Control 4.0 event, organized aboard the Cordelia Cruise. Additionally, his three-month-long India tour included performances in several other cities, including New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
Nonetheless, members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) recently tore down Shubh’s posters, alleging that the singer supported separatist Khalistani elements. Shubh’s social media post featuring a distorted map of India, omitting Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, also went viral, leaving many disappointed. The viral post was shared by Shubh during a time when the Punjab Police were in pursuit of a fugitive named Amritpal Singh.