Be (cause) I care

Jasmine Singh

Punjabi actor-singer Diljott has been chosen to be the Brand ambassador for Rotary Chandigarh Midtown to popularise cancer awareness among the masses. 

For this young artiste, who has done her masters in Human Rights and Duties from Panjab University, Chandigarh, this is neither a tag that she'd like to flaunt nor something that she is new to. Social works is something Diljott is born to do, a service that gives her immense satisfaction, “and a good night's sleep,” she says with a disarming smile. 

Diljott  has featured in several Punjabi songs, such as, Patiala Peg opposite Diljit Dosanjh, Pollywood films, Teshan opposite Happy Raikoti, and Yaar Anmulle 2 including her own music singles. Service to humanity is something her parents, both of them doctors, had always advocated.

Lessons learnt from home

“As a kid, my parents would tell my brother and me that don't be always concerned about yourself, think and also do if possible something for others. I guess this is where it comes from,” she says. 

Thus, for Diljott, social work is not something that is new or comes after she got celebrity status. She pursued research on Human Rights Concerns of Differently Abled and has also done her graduation with Psychology Honours, and was awarded a gold medal for standing first in the University. She has also done a 'Project Cycle Management' from NGO Management School, Switzerland.

Today, besides the cancer awareness, she also works extensively for the NGO Arrive Safe that promotes the cause of road safety. “I am concerned about road safety, I am a youngster and I can understand the thrill that we sometimes feel getting behind the steering wheel, but I also know how dangerous this thrill can be,” adds Diljott.

Committed to social service, she spends time on important festivals and moments at orphanages, old age homes and homes for differently abled such as Prabh Aasra. 

Not interested in cheap publicity

“I know the first thought that comes to mind would be, yes, she is a celebrity and she is doing it for news. But, how long will I go on doing it for cameras and news, one day you will also get tired of seeing me, won't you, but sorry this is not for camera, this is for the camera inside my heart that would look to capture laughing images and not sad ones. I want my heart to feel content.”