Diljit Dosanjh faces legal backlash for singing altered lyrics in Ludhiana concert

Diljit Dosanjh

Diljit Dosanjh's much-awaited New Year's Eve concert in Ludhiana faced legal issues after a complaint was lodged by Punditrao Dharenavar, an assistant professor from Chandigarh. The complaint raised concerns regarding certain aspects of the event, adding a layer of controversy to what was meant to be a grand celebration. As a result, the concert, which was expected to be a highlight of the festivities, was overshadowed by this legal dispute.

The situation has caught attention, with many speculating about its potential impact on future events and the concert industry in the region.

The complaint led to the Deputy Director of the Women and Child Department, Government of Punjab, issuing a formal notice to Ludhiana's District Commissioner. The notice called for the prevention of Diljit Dosanjh performing specific songs during his live show on December 31, 2024.

This intervention added further complexity to the concert, with authorities seeking to restrict certain aspects of the performance. The situation quickly became a focal point, raising questions about the boundaries of freedom in artistic expression and the role of government oversight in entertainment events.

The notice sent to Ludhiana's local authorities specifically requested a ban on songs accused of promoting alcohol, including "Patiala Pegg," "5 Tara Theke," and "Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya)." The complaint highlights previous warnings given to Diljit Dosanjh by various commissions, where he was advised to refrain from performing the controversial tracks in question. These prior advisories had raised concerns about the songs' content, which were seen as potentially promoting alcohol consumption, leading to further scrutiny of his New Year's Eve concert. The issue has sparked a debate over the balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility.

Despite receiving these warnings, the singer is said to have persisted in performing the songs, albeit with minor changes to the lyrics.

Panditrao Dharenavar, who lodged the complaint, voiced deep concerns about the influence of such songs on young audiences, particularly highlighting the potential negative effect on underage children present at the concert. He emphasized the need to protect impressionable minds from content that may encourage harmful behaviors, especially in a public setting where minors could be exposed to these influences.

Adding to the complexity, Dharenavar referenced a 2019 ruling from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which instructed the police to ensure that songs promoting alcohol, drugs, or violence are not played at public events, including live performances.

The court's ruling emphasized that songs glorifying substances such as alcohol or drugs negatively affect impressionable children.

Panditrao has stated that he is ready to take the matter to the Punjab and Haryana High Court if the concert goes ahead with the inclusion of these tracks.

He also expressed disapproval of Dosanjh performing these songs while wearing a pagadi, a traditional headgear, arguing that it should not be associated with promoting harmful values or behaviors.

The Ludhiana concert, a last-minute addition to Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati India Tour, served as the grand finale of his three-month nationwide performance schedule.

Originally scheduled to wrap up in Guwahati, the tour's finale shifted to Ludhiana after the concert was announced on December 23. The tickets for the show sold out within minutes of being made available.

In the days leading up to the Ludhiana performance, Diljit Dosanjh had already faced scrutiny in other cities for similar reasons.

While performing in Hyderabad in November, Diljit Dosanjh faced a legal notice from the Telangana government, triggered by a complaint regarding his performance of songs that allegedly promote alcohol and violence.

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Additionally, during his Indore show, the singer addressed the issue of black market ticket sales, defending himself against accusations that his tickets were being resold for inflated prices.

The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh's song lyrics isn't new. Earlier in the year, the singer made headlines for his comments on alcohol in his music.

During a performance in Ahmedabad, he promised that he would cease making songs about alcohol if the Indian government enacted a nationwide ban on liquor. "If all the states declare themselves as dry states, I promise I won't sing about alcohol ever again," Dosanjh stated.

Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Diljit Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati tour has been a major hit, with tickets selling out rapidly at every venue.