The visibility and arrival of the transnational new Sikh middle class in the cinematic experience of the turbaned hero Diljit Dosanjh: Its implication for emerging Sikh identity politics

ABSTRACT

The paper attempts to understand the emergence of a New Sikh middle class in Panjab and its growing, transnational visibility in a transnational spread through the kaleidoscope of Panjabi cinema. The paper seeks to map this new middle class both locally and globally with the emergence of the icon of the New Sikh middle class, the turbaned Diljit Dosanjh. His persona and the popularity of his films give a vivid portrayal of the visibility of this transnational New Sikh middleclass, the imagination of which transcends local, national and transnational borders.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1 I would like to thank Radhika Chopra, Ravinder Kaur, Surinder Jodhka, Himadri Banerjee, B.P Singh, Harjant Gill, JPS Uberoi, Randhir and Sarvar for their comments

2 Wannable a person who tries to be like someone else or fit in with a particular group of people’

3 ”Pastoral” is used here in its meaning relating to the country or country life : rural and rustic rather than referring specifically to shepherds or herders or used for animal husbandary and gestures to Panjabs agro-political economy. Jat Sikhs agro-pastoral origins and the cosmopolitanism of pastrol nomads and the largely rural roots of the passengers on board. “Cosmoplitanism “ is defined in its etymological meaning of being citizens of the world and the idea of humanity as forming a single community but also as “an orientation to the other” acquired through prolonged contact and interaction with others. (2018, 14-15).