Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh’s Ludhiana concert, the grand finale of his Dil-Luminati India Tour, has landed him in legal trouble after a complaint accused him of promoting alcohol through his songs. The concert, held at Punjab Agricultural University on New Year’s Eve, became the center of controversy following a complaint filed by Punditrao Dharenavar, an assistant professor from Chandigarh.
Complaint and Warnings
Dharenavar raised concerns over the influence of songs like Patiala Pegg, 5 Tara Theke, and Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya), which allegedly glorify alcohol. Despite warnings from various commissions and the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s 2019 directive prohibiting such songs at public events, Diljit has reportedly continued to perform them with minor lyric modifications.
The Deputy Director of the Women and Child Department, Punjab, issued a formal notice to the Ludhiana District Commissioner, urging action to prevent such performances. Dharenavar emphasized the negative impact of these songs on youth and underage audiences, criticizing Diljit for associating these themes with traditional cultural symbols like the pagadi.
High Court Ruling
The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s 2019 ruling strictly prohibits songs promoting alcohol, drugs, or violence in public gatherings, highlighting their harmful influence on impressionable audiences. Dharenavar has expressed his intent to escalate the matter to the High Court if the concerns are ignored.
Dil-Luminati Tour Success Amid Controversy
Despite the legal challenges, Diljit’s Dil-Luminati India Tour has been a commercial success, with tickets selling out across cities. The Ludhiana concert, a last-minute addition to the tour, sold out within minutes of its announcement.
Diljit has previously addressed similar allegations. During his Ahmedabad concert, he stated that he would stop singing about alcohol if India enacted a nationwide liquor ban. However, the controversies surrounding his music continue to follow him, with complaints emerging from other cities during the tour.
The Ludhiana incident highlights the ongoing debate about artistic freedom and social responsibility in India’s entertainment industry.
