Popular Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has found himself in the spotlight following a legal notice issued by the Telangana government urging him 'not' to perform songs glorifying alcohol, drugs, or violence during his concert in Hyderabad.
Despite the controversy, Dosanjh remains resolute, reiterating his stance against promoting alcohol and defending his creative choices.
The legal notice, issued just hours before his Hyderabad concert on Friday, specifically cited songs such as Patiala Pegg and Panchatara.
It followed complaints alleging that these tracks encourage substance abuse.
Speaking at the event, Dosanjh expressed his readiness to tweak his performances if necessary, stating, "It’s very easy for me to tweak the songs. Main khud sharab nahi peete (I don’t drink alcohol)."
Advocating for change
Dosanjh took the opportunity to address a broader issue, suggesting a nationwide movement to declare all Indian states as dry.
"Jitni bhi states hai humare yaha, agar woh saari apne aap ko dry state ghoshith kardeti hai, agle hi din Diljit Dosanjh apni life mein kabhi sharab pe gaana nahi gayega. Main pran karta hoon," he remarked, noting the significant revenue alcohol generates but questioning its social costs.
The singer praised Gujarat for its dry state policy and shared his desire for Amritsar to follow suit.
"I fully support Gujarat if, in fact, it is a dry state," he declared, adding that he would willingly stop performing songs about alcohol if liquor shops were shut nationwide.
Dosanjh distinguished himself from Bollywood celebrities who, he claimed, actively promote alcohol.
"Main koi naya kalakaar thodei hoon... Main gaane ko tweak kardunga, gaana change hojayega aur utna hi maza ayega (I’m not a newcomer who would panic. I’ll tweak the song, change it, and it will still be enjoyable)," he said.
Dosanjh's remarks came amidst his Dil-Luminati Tour, which has scheduled performances in several cities, including Lucknow, Pune, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Indore, Chandigarh, and Guwahati. The tour’s next stop is in Lucknow on November 22.
The Telangana government’s notice followed public complaints, citing concerns that Dosanjh’s songs glorify substance abuse and negatively influence the youth.
His outspoken response has reignited discussions on the role of artists in shaping societal values and the responsibility they bear in their work.
Dosanjh, however, stands firm on his creative integrity, stating, "Jaha jaha mere show hai waha waha aap ek din ke liye dry day ghoshith kardo, main sharaab ka gaana nahi gaunga (Wherever I have shows, declare it a dry day, and I won’t sing about alcohol)."
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