Diljit Dosanjh draws legal trouble for promoting alcohol at Ludhiana Concert

Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh’s New Year’s Eve concert in Ludhiana turned controversial when a college teacher, Panditrao Dharenavar, filed a complaint against him. The teacher criticized Dosanjh for performing songs that promote alcohol while wearing a turban, which he believes should represent positive values. Dharenavar’s complaint prompted the Punjab Government’s women and child department to issue a notice to Ludhiana’s deputy commissioner. The notice requested authorities to prevent the singer from performing songs like ‘Patiala Pegg’ and ‘5 Tara Theke,’ even if their lyrics were modified.

The complaint also referenced a 2019 Punjab and Haryana High Court order directing police to ensure that no songs promoting alcohol, drugs, or violence are played at public events. Dharenavar emphasized the harmful impact of such songs on young and impressionable listeners, especially children. He stated his willingness to escalate the issue to the High Court if necessary.

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Tour success despite controversy

The Ludhiana concert was the final stop of Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati India Tour, which lasted three months. Initially set to conclude in Guwahati, the Ludhiana show was added last minute and quickly sold out. While the tour was a commercial success, it was not without challenges. Similar complaints arose during concerts in Hyderabad and Indore, where Dosanjh faced legal notices over his lyrics and ticket resale issues.

In Ahmedabad, the singer addressed the controversy by promising to stop singing about alcohol if India banned liquor nationwide. Despite these legal hurdles, Dosanjh’s concerts remained highly popular, with tickets selling out at every venue. However, the ongoing criticism over his song lyrics has sparked a larger debate about the responsibilities of artists and the influence of their work on society.