Renowned singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has sparked a nationwide conversation with his bold statements on alcohol and its portrayal in music. While performing in Ahmedabad during his Dil-Luminati India Tour, Dosanjh declared he would stop singing songs about alcohol if all states across India closed their liquor shops.
The remark came in response to the Telangana government’s recent directive asking him not to promote alcohol, drugs, or violence in his songs ahead of his Hyderabad concert. In Ahmedabad, Dosanjh maintained his stand, refraining from performing his popular alcohol-themed tracks like Lemonade and 5 Taara, citing Gujarat’s status as a dry state.
However, Dosanjh did not shy away from questioning the policies of other states. “Close liquor shops across the country, and I will stop singing about alcohol,” he challenged. Highlighting the prioritization of liquor stores during the pandemic, he accused authorities of misleading the youth.
The singer also proposed a movement advocating for liquor prohibition, emphasizing his willingness to adapt his performances if states implemented dry-day policies. “Declare a dry day where I perform, and I won’t sing about alcohol,” he promised the Ahmedabad audience.
Pointing to the prevalence of alcohol-themed songs in Bollywood, Dosanjh defended his artistic choices, citing his extensive catalog of devotional music. He criticized Bollywood stars for endorsing alcohol brands, contrasting his personal stance of abstinence.
While he tweaked his lyrics during the Hyderabad concert to comply with the directives, Dosanjh reiterated that such modifications do not deter him. “Tweaking songs is very easy. I am not a new artist who will feel helpless when asked to adjust lyrics,” he asserted.
Diljit Dosanjh’s remarks have sparked a larger discussion on the role of music in influencing societal habits and the responsibility of governments in regulating such narratives.
