Female performers raise concerns over pay and work conditions at Diljit Dosanjh show | WATCH

A group of female dancers has accused the team behind a Diljit Dosanjh performance of unfair treatment, low compensation and creating an environment where they “didn’t feel safe.”

The allegations surfaced through a viral social media video featuring performers from Madhuban Performing Arts, who explained why they chose to leave the show before performing.

The women said their decision was not aimed at one artist alone, but reflected larger issues within the dance industry.

Also Read | SRK adds Cadillac Escalade to his garage: The SUV is already creating a buzz all around

“It's truly not about one show or one artist; it's about the greater good of the dance community,” one dancer said in the video while addressing fellow performers.

Dancers raise concerns over pay, costumes and treatment

The performers alleged that costume selection and body image expectations played a major role in their discomfort during the process. One dancer claimed that available costume sizes were limited and questioned why appearance seemed to matter more than dancing ability.

“There were barely any sizes past medium,” she said, adding that some dancers were reportedly excluded because of costume limitations.

Another performer alleged that dancers were asked to share their Instagram profiles after submitting audition videos, which she believed shifted focus away from technical skill and performance ability.

“For me, if you are asking for my account, you are asking to look at what I look like, my size, my hair and my face,” she said. The dancers also criticised the compensation offered for rehearsals and performances, claiming selected performers were expected to commit to long working hours while covering additional personal expenses.

According to one of the women, dancers were reportedly asked to attend two 12-hour rehearsal and performance days for a payment of 120 dollars.

‘We didn’t feel safe’: Communication and rehearsal concerns raised

Several performers also described confusion surrounding rehearsal schedules and performance preparation.

One dancer claimed there was a lack of clear communication regarding rehearsal timings and choreography details, creating anxiety among performers before going on stage.

“There was so much lack of information regarding rehearsal times and the dances we were supposed to do that I didn’t feel safe going up on stage like that,” she said.

Also Read | Did Netflix crash in Pakistan after Dhurandhar’s release? Viral clip sparks buzz

Another dancer stressed that artists value respectful and secure work environments as much as opportunities themselves. “As an artist, I prefer a safe space always,” she said, adding that the group did not feel respected during the process.

The women ended the video by urging dancers across the industry to stop accepting poor working standards and undercutting fellow artists.

The video has since triggered widespread reactions online, with several users praising the dancers for speaking publicly about conditions performers often face behind the scenes. Neither Diljit Dosanjh nor his team has issued a public response to the allegations so far.