Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh concluded his Dil-Luminati Tour on 31 December, 2024 in Ludhiana. Dosanjh commenced his India tour in Delhi in October last year, followed by performances in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata. Before his Ludhiana concert, he performed in Guwahati on 29 December, 2024.
However, Dosanjh’s New Year’s Eve concert in Ludhiana was marred by legal issues after Punditrao Dharenavar, an assistant professor from Chandigarh, lodged a formal complaint. This led the Punjab Women and Child Department to intervene, issuing a notice to Ludhiana’s District Commissioner to restrict Dosanjh from performing specific songs.
Songs Under Scrutiny
The notice highlighted tracks such as ‘Patiala Pegg’, ‘5 Taara Theke’, and ‘Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya)’, alleging they promote alcohol consumption. Despite earlier warnings from various commissions urging Dosanjh to exclude these songs from his performances, he reportedly continued to include them in his shows, making only minor changes to the lyrics.
HC Ban on Certain Songs in Public
Punditrao Dharenavar voiced concerns about the harmful influence of certain songs on young audiences, particularly minors attending the concert. He cited a 2019 Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling that directed police to prevent the public performance of songs promoting alcohol, drugs, or violence, deeming such content detrimental to impressionable minds.
Adding to the controversy, Dharenavar announced plans to escalate the issue to the Punjab and Haryana High Court if the concert proceeded with the disputed tracks. He also criticised Dosanjh for wearing a ‘pagadi’—a traditional turban—while performing songs he claims propagate negative values.
Previous Complaints Against Dosanjh
Dosanjh has faced similar controversies in the past, including criticism in cities like Hyderabad and Indore for performing songs alleged to promote alcohol and violence. At his Indore concert, Dosanjh also acknowledged concerns about the black-market sale of tickets for his events.
Earlier in the year, the singer made headlines with his remarks on alcohol-themed music. During a performance in Ahmedabad, he pledged to stop singing about alcohol if the Indian government implemented a nationwide liquor ban.
