Popular singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh’s New Year’s Eve concert in Ludhiana has sparked legal action following a complaint over the performance of songs alleged to promote alcohol. The controversy arises from a formal complaint by Punditrao Dharenavar, a Chandigarh-based assistant professor, who has long criticized such tracks for their negative social impact.
The Deputy Director of the Women and Child Department of Punjab issued a notice to Ludhiana’s District Commissioner, urging action against the inclusion of songs like Patiala Peg, 5 Tara Theke, and Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya) in Dosanjh’s performance. The complaint emphasizes the detrimental influence of these tracks, particularly on younger audiences, and references prior warnings issued to Dosanjh by various commissions.
Court directives ignored?
The controversy also brings attention to a 2019 Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling that prohibits the performance of songs glorifying alcohol, drugs, or violence at public events. Dharenavar pointed out that despite earlier advisories, Dosanjh has continued performing such tracks, albeit with modified lyrics.
The complainant has threatened to escalate the matter to the High Court if the Ludhiana concert proceeds without addressing these concerns. He also criticized Dosanjh for wearing a traditional pagadi while performing songs that, in his view, conflict with the values it represents.
A finale mired in controversy
The Ludhiana concert was a last-minute addition to Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati India Tour, which originally was set to conclude in Guwahati. Announced just a week before the event, the Ludhiana show sold out within minutes, underscoring Dosanjh’s immense popularity.
However, this isn’t the first time Dosanjh’s performances have drawn scrutiny. In November, he faced legal notices during concerts in Hyderabad and Indore for similar reasons. While Hyderabad authorities raised objections to his song lyrics, Dosanjh had to address allegations of black-market ticket sales in Indore.
Promises and public discourse
Earlier in the year, during a concert in Ahmedabad, Dosanjh addressed the recurring criticism of his alcohol-themed songs. He declared that he would stop singing about alcohol if the Indian government implemented a nationwide ban on liquor. “If all states declare themselves as dry states, I promise I won’t sing about alcohol ever again,” he had said, drawing mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
A successful but contentious tour
Despite these challenges, Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati India Tour has been a resounding success. The three-month series of performances has seen sold-out venues across the country, cementing his status as one of India’s most popular entertainers. However, the ongoing controversy over his lyrics highlights the complex intersection of artistic freedom, cultural values, and legal accountability in modern Indian entertainment.