Diljit Dosanjh’s Upcoming Ahmedabad Concert Under Scrutiny Over Songs ‘Promoting’ Alcohol, Gun Culture

Ahmedabad: Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming Ahmedabad concert has come under scrutiny, with the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) asking police to ensure that the singer refrains from performing certain songs at his November 21 show at Narendra Modi Stadium.

The development follows a complaint by Chandigarh-based professor Dr Panditrao Dharenavar, who has repeatedly objected to songs allegedly promoting alcohol, drugs and gun culture. In a letter dated November 5, Ahmedabad’s DCPO requested the Police Commissioner to ensure that four specific tracks are excluded from Dosanjh’s performance at the stadium.

The songs flagged in the complaint are ‘Patiala Pegg’, ‘5 Taara Theeke’, ‘Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya’ and ‘Jatt Uthe Fire Karda Jithe Pabandi Hathiyara Di’. Referring to the Centre’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the letter maintains that songs glorifying alcohol and drug consumption should not be permitted, even if their lyrics are modified.

The letter also cites an observation made by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 22, 2019, which called for restrictions on songs promoting liquor, drugs and violence, including during live performances, citing concerns over their impact on children.

The complaint has also raised concerns over child safety at the concert, urging authorities not to allow children on stage. It points to potential exposure to sound levels exceeding 120 decibels and rapidly flashing stage lights, which could damage hearing and potentially trigger seizures.

Additionally, the DCPO has requested police to prevent Dosanjh from wearing two crossed silver bullet belts, commonly known as bandoliers, or dummy metallic cartridges across his chest. The complaint argues that such imagery could glorify gun culture and encourage violent behaviour among audiences.

The development comes days after similar restrictions were sought ahead of Dosanjh’s November 15 concert in Indore. There, the District Child Protection Officer directed the management of C21 Mall to ensure that the same four songs were not performed. The action followed a complaint by Dharenavar.

At his Ahmedabad concert in November 2024, Dosanjh had reportedly refrained from performing alcohol-themed tracks, citing Gujarat’s prohibition on alcohol.

DeshGujarat