Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh, a globally recognized artist with millions of fans worldwide, has always made waves in the music industry. Known for being the first Indian musician to perform on The Tonight Show, his ongoing 2024 Dil-Luminati Tour has seen all shows sold out. However, during the India leg of his tour, the Telangana government issued a notice requesting him to modify his song lyrics before performing in the state. The government specifically asked him to avoid singing songs promoting alcohol, drugs, or violence during his concert.
The notice, which was sent just hours before his concert in Hyderabad, mentioned his songs Patiala Peg and Panchatara by name.
The government also warned against allowing children at the event, citing concerns over the loud sounds and flashing lights. This notice was issued by the District Welfare Officer from the Department of Welfare of Women, Children, Disabled, and Senior Citizens in Rangareddy.
In response, Diljit Dosanjh posted a video on Instagram addressing the issue. He stated that altering the lyrics of his songs is not difficult for him.
During the same video, Diljit revealed that he neither consumes nor promotes alcohol. He also highlighted that while Bollywood features many songs about alcohol, he has only sung a handful. The singer also pointed out that Bollywood actors often endorse alcohol brands, but he personally refrains from doing so. He firmly stated:
“Today also I won’t sing such songs. It’s very easy for me to tweak the songs. Main khud sharab nahi peete (I don’t drink alcohol). It’s very easy for me. Lekin Bollywood ke jo kalakaar hai woh sharab ki advertisment karte hai, Diljit Dosanjh advertisement nahi karta. Aap mujhe chhedo mat. Main jaha jata hoon chup karke apna programme karta hon, chala jata hoon. Aap kyu chedh rahe ho mujhe (Bollywood artists do advertisements for alcohol, Diljit Dosanjh doesn’t. Don’t mess with me. Wherever I go, I do my performance and leave. Why are you messing with me)?”
He also mentioned his recent performance in Ahmedabad, where he had not received a notice from the Gujarat government and confirmed that he would refrain from singing songs about alcohol, given Gujarat’s dry state status. The singer expressed frustration that no one acknowledges the many devotional songs he performs and releases.
Diljit also called for a nationwide movement to ban alcohol. He suggested that if all states in India declared themselves dry, he would stop singing alcohol-related songs. He humorously proposed,
“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. Hosakta yeh? (Laughs) Bohut bada revenue hai yeh. Corona mein sab bandh hogaya tha, theke bandh nahi huye the. Kya baatein karrahe ho aap? Aap youth ko fuddu nahi bana sakte (If all of India’s states declare themselves as dry states, then Diljit Dosanjh won’t ever sing songs on alcohol. I promise. Can that happen? It’s a huge revenue. Everything closed down during Covid-19 except alcohol shops. What are you saying? You can’t fool the youth).”
Further, Diljit suggested that the government could declare the day of his concert a “dry day,” and he would refrain from singing about alcohol. He emphasized that altering the lyrics was no challenge for him:
“Jahan jahan mere show hai wahan wahan aap ek din ke liye dry day ghoshith kardo, main sharaab ka gaana nahi gaunga. It’s very easy for me. Again, I’m telling you that it’s easy for me to tweak songs. Main koi naya kalakaar thodei hoon ki aap usko yeh bologe ki ‘Yeh yeh yeh gaana nahi gasakta’ aur main bolunga, ‘Arre main kya karunga?’ Main gaane ko tweak kardunga, gaana change hojayega aur utna hi maza ayega.”
Watch video here:
With Telangana govt imposing restrictions on songs to be sung, Diljit Dosanjh calls for “Dry State Movement”.
He says declare “all states as Dry and he will stop singing songs which refer to it”
He tweaked his songs during the event to ensure rules were followed
“Tainu teri… https://t.co/qP0cqFyShI pic.twitter.com/nxbsCWlmDX
— Naveena (@TheNaveena) November 17, 2024
Don’t sing songs that promote alcohol, drugs or violence – Telangana govt notice to actor-singer @DiljitDosanjh & organisers of ‘Dil-Luminati’ concert to be held today at Airport Novotel
Do not use children on stage during the live show. pic.twitter.com/jZTMSjfnwA
— Naveena (@TheNaveena) November 15, 2024
His response garnered mixed reactions from fans, with many appreciating his candidness and stance on the matter.
Govt can sell alcohol at everyday and earn money through and serve people with that money. How ironic
— Nagaraju (@nagarajua5) November 18, 2024
Excellent reply muu thod jawab🤛
— K .UMASHANKER (@Umashanker786) November 18, 2024
What do you think about Diljit Dosanjh’s response? Let us know in the comments.
