Mon Nov 18 03:12:16 UTC 2024: ## Punjabi Singer Diljit Dosanjh Challenges India to Ban Alcohol, Vows to Stop Singing About Liquor
**Ahmedabad, Gujarat –** Popular Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh, currently on his Dil-Luminati India Tour, issued a defiant challenge to Indian authorities during his Ahmedabad concert last night. Following a Telangana government directive to refrain from promoting alcohol, drugs, and violence in his songs, Dosanjh declared he would not sing songs about alcohol in Gujarat, a dry state. He went further, directly challenging other states: “You close liquor shops across the country, I will stop singing songs on alcohol.”
Dosanjh, who modified his songs “Lemonade” and “5 Taara” for his Hyderabad concert, highlighted what he perceived as hypocrisy. He pointed out that liquor stores remained open during the pandemic while other businesses were shut and questioned the selective targeting of Indian artists. He stated, “If an artist comes from outside, they can sing anything… But when an Indian artist sings, then you have a problem.”
The singer’s Ahmedabad performance saw him engage the audience on the issue of alcohol prohibition, even suggesting a “Dry Nation Movement.” He reiterated his willingness to omit alcohol-themed songs from his setlist in any location implementing a dry day.
Dosanjh defended his position, noting the ease of modifying lyrics and highlighting the abundance of alcohol-related songs in Bollywood, where he claims the issue is largely ignored. He also emphasized that he personally does not consume alcohol.
His comments come after he received a notice from the Telangana government before his Hyderabad concert, prompting the modification of his setlist and leading to his criticism of double standards in the regulation of alcohol promotion in music. The singer’s strong stance has sparked debate about censorship and the role of artists in promoting or discouraging social issues.
First Piper 