Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh has landed in another controversy over the content of his songs, with the Ahmedabad District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) approaching the city Police Commissioner to seek restrictions on his performance ahead of his November 21 concert. The child protection body has raised concerns over songs allegedly promoting alcohol consumption, drugs and weapons, arguing that their lyrics could adversely influence children and young audiences attending the show.
The development comes just days after authorities in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, directed organisers to ensure that four of Diljit's popular songs were not performed at his November 15 concert. The latest move in Ahmedabad has brought the singer's Aura India Tour under renewed scrutiny over the portrayal of intoxicants and violence in Punjabi music.
Importantly, the Ahmedabad communication is a request to the police for appropriate action, not a confirmed ban on the singer or his songs.
Ahmedabad DCPU flags four Diljit Dosanjh songs
In a letter dated November 6, addressed to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut, the DCPU requested intervention to prevent Diljit from performing songs allegedly promoting alcohol, intoxicants and weapons during his 'RuPay Aura India Tour' concert.
Ahmedabad District Child Protection Officer Tanvika Parmar confirmed the communication. The letter referred to a representation submitted by Chandigarh-based Dr Panditrao Dharennavar, who raised objections to the content of certain songs ahead of the concert at Narendra Modi Stadium on November 21.
The four songs specifically mentioned in the communication are 'Patiala Pegg', '5 Taara Theeke', 'Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya' and 'Jatt Uthe Fire Karda Jithe Pabandi Hathiyara Di'.
According to the DCPU, these songs allegedly glorify alcohol consumption, narcotic substances such as opium and drugs, and weapons or violence. It also argued that performing them, even with altered or modified lyrics, could have an adverse impact on children and young people.
Concerns over bullet belts and children on stage
Apart from the lyrics, the child protection unit has raised concerns over the singer's stage presentation and the possible impact of concert arrangements on young audiences.
The DCPU has requested that Diljit should not invite children onto the stage during the performance. It has also objected to the use of cartridge or bullet belts, commonly known as bandoliers, as part of his stage costumes.
According to the letter, such accessories could promote gun culture and glorify violence among children.
The communication has also flagged loud sound levels, reportedly exceeding 120 decibels, and rapidly changing lighting effects, including flashing and beam lights. The DCPU expressed concern that these could pose health risks to young children attending the concert.
It has asked the police to consider these issues and take appropriate measures before the November 21 event.
Indore concert already faces restrictions on four songs
The Ahmedabad development follows a similar intervention by child protection authorities in Indore, where Diljit is scheduled to perform on November 15.
The District Child Protection Officer in Indore directed the concert venue's management to ensure that four songs were not performed during the show. These include 'Patiala Peg', '5 Taara Theke', 'Jeb Vicho Feem' and 'Jatt Fire Karda'.
The directions followed a representation by Dr Panditrao Dharennavar, who cited concerns about the alleged promotion of alcohol, drugs and violence through the songs.
The Indore authorities also referred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court's July 22, 2019, order concerning songs glorifying liquor, drugs and violence and their potential influence on children.
The restrictions in Indore and the subsequent representation in Ahmedabad have brought renewed attention to the debate over the social responsibility of performers and the content presented at live concerts attended by families and children.
Punjab and Haryana High Court order cited
The Ahmedabad DCPU has also referred to the July 22, 2019, judgment of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in its communication.
The court proceedings dealt with concerns over songs promoting alcohol, intoxicants and violence, particularly their possible impact on children. The issue has since been cited in representations seeking restrictions on the performance of such songs at public events.
Meanwhile, an official said the Ahmedabad Police would take an appropriate decision after considering the matter in the larger public interest.
With Diljit's Ahmedabad concert scheduled for November 21, the police response will determine whether any specific directions are issued to the singer or event organisers.
