Post-Telangana notice, Diljit Dosanjh seeks alcohol ban; hits out at Bollywood

Hyderabad: Days after the Telangana government asked Diljit Dosanjh to avoid songs that promote drugs and alcohol, the Punjabi singer took on the authorities and Bollywood artists on what he called promoting liquor. He also called for banning liquor and advocated the dry state movement.

“Bollywood artists advertise alcohol, but I don’t. Don’t mess with me. Wherever I go, I perform peacefully and leave. Why are you messing with me?” he asked during his concert at Hyderabad.

This remark came after the Telangana government issued a notice asking Dosanjh not to sing songs that promote alcohol, drugs, or violence.

Notice and Restrictions

On November 17, the Telangana government issued the notice to the singer following a representation from a Chandigarh resident. The complaint alleged that Dosanjh performed songs glorifying alcohol and violence during a concert in New Delhi.

The notice, issued by the District Welfare Officer of the Department of Welfare of Women and Children, Disabled and Senior Citizens, Rangareddy, also prohibited children from appearing on stage, citing the potential harm of loud sounds and flashing lights.

Tweaked Lyrics at Hyderabad Concert

In response to the directive, Dosanjh modified the lyrics of his songs during the Hyderabad show. In his hit Lemonade, he changed “Tainu teri daaru ch pasand aa Lemonade” to “Tainu teri coke ch pasand aa Lemonade.” Similarly, in 5 Taara, the line “5 Taara thekke utthe” became “5 Taara hotel ch.”

Videos from the concert show Dosanjh laughing as he sang the altered lyrics. Fans praised his quick adaptability, with one saying, “Bro cooked Telangana govt so bad.” Another commented, “The joke’s on them — he just cracked open a coke and kept the party going!”

Criticism of Bollywood and Call for a Dry State Movement

At his Ahmedabad concert on November 19, Dosanjh doubled down on his stance. He clarified that he does not drink alcohol and has only a few songs referencing it.

“Bollywood has thousands of songs about alcohol, but I have only three or four. Yet, I’m the one being targeted,” he said. He also highlighted his refusal to endorse alcohol brands, unlike many Bollywood celebrities.

The singer proposed a pan-India movement to ban alcohol, promising to stop singing about it if all states declared themselves dry.

“Corona mein sab bandh hogaya tha, theke bandh nahi huye the (During COVID-19, everything was shut except liquor shops),” he remarked. He also suggested that cities hosting his concerts could declare one-day dry days as a symbolic step.

Lack of Recognition for Devotional Songs

Dosanjh expressed frustration that his recent devotional songs were overlooked. “In the past 10 days, I released two devotional songs, but no one is talking about them,” he said.

About the Dil-Luminati Tour

The Hyderabad concert was part of Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati Tour, which spans 10 Indian cities. After starting in Delhi in October, the tour will conclude in Guwahati on December 29.