Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh addressed criticism over his songs glorifying alcohol during his Ahmedabad performance on the Dil-Luminati India Tour, taking a bold stand against what he called hypocrisy by authorities. Responding to calls from state governments to avoid promoting alcohol, Dosanjh declared he would refrain from singing such songs in Gujarat, a dry state, but challenged governments to implement nationwide bans on liquor if they deemed such content inappropriate.
Ahmedabad Concert: Diljit’s Statement
Performing in Ahmedabad on November 17, Dosanjh took to the stage and addressed his audience, stating, “Because Gujarat is a dry state, I will not sing songs about alcohol here. If the Gujarat government has truly banned alcohol, I would become their fan.”
The statement drew mixed reactions from fans, prompting the singer to question the sincerity of state policies. “Close liquor shops across the country, and I will stop singing songs about alcohol altogether. You cannot fool the youth,” he said, pointing out that during the pandemic, liquor stores were among the only establishments allowed to remain open.
Challenge to Governments
Dosanjh, known for hits like Patiala Peg and 5 Taara, criticised the selective scrutiny of his music while Bollywood continues to produce a plethora of alcohol-centric songs. “Bollywood has thousands of songs glorifying alcohol. I have only a few, yet they focus on mine. Let’s start a movement—declare all states as dry, and I’ll stop singing about alcohol from the very next day,” he declared.
The singer further offered a unique proposal: “Declare a dry day wherever I perform, and I won’t sing songs about alcohol in those places either.” He emphasised that altering lyrics is an easy task for musicians and reiterated that he does not consume alcohol himself.
Hyderabad Incident and Broader Critique
Dosanjh’s remarks also referenced a recent directive from the Telangana government ahead of his Hyderabad performance, which requested him to avoid promoting violence, drugs, and alcohol in his songs. He complied by modifying lyrics to tracks like Lemonade and 5 Taara, but he voiced frustration over what he described as unequal treatment of Indian artists.
“If international artists perform here, they can sing whatever they want without interference. But when it’s an Indian artist, suddenly there’s a problem. Let me tell you, there is God. I won’t let this go,” he said, asserting his commitment to standing up for artistic expression.
Devotional Songs and Bollywood Comparisons
Dosanjh highlighted his contributions to devotional music, noting that while his track Patiala Peg garners criticism, his devotional songs often go unmentioned. “I have sung dozens of devotional songs. Why is only Patiala Peg discussed? Bollywood stars openly advertise alcohol, but Diljit Dosanjh doesn’t. Even today, I won’t sing those songs—it’s easy for me to tweak lyrics,” he stated.
Diljit Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati India Tour 2024
The Ahmedabad concert marked another successful stop in Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati India Tour 2024, which spans 11 cities. The tour kicked off on October 26 in New Delhi and has since seen the Punjabi superstar captivate audiences in Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and now Ahmedabad.
With his signature charisma and energetic performances, Dosanjh continues to enthral fans while addressing broader societal issues through his platform.
Diljit Dosanjh’s Ahmedabad concert showcased more than his musical talent—it highlighted his willingness to take a stand against perceived double standards. By challenging governments to align their policies with their criticisms, he has sparked a broader conversation about the relationship between art, responsibility, and societal norms.
As the Dil-Luminati India Tour progresses, Dosanjh’s powerful messages are resonating with fans across the country, making his concerts a blend of entertainment and thought-provoking commentary.
