Ludhiana, 1 January 2025: Diljit Dosanjh’s much-anticipated New Year’s Eve performance in Ludhiana has sparked a legal issue following a complaint filed by Panditrao Dharenavar, an assistant professor at Chandigarh’s college. The complaint, which claims the singer promoted alcohol, has prompted the Punjab government to issue a formal notice to Ludhiana authorities, requesting that specific songs be banned from his setlist.
The complaint centers on songs like ‘Patiala Pegg’, ‘5 Tara Theke’, and ‘Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya)’, accusing them of glorifying alcohol consumption. The complaint highlights previous advisories issued to Dosanjh, warning him about performing tracks that encourage substance use, even with adjusted lyrics.
Dharenavar expressed concerns over the harmful impact of such songs, especially on young and underage listeners. “It is crucial to prevent these types of songs from influencing youth,” he said. The complaint also referenced a 2019 ruling from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which prohibited public events from promoting alcohol, drugs, or violence, citing their damaging effects on vulnerable children.
Furthermore, Dharenavar emphasized his intention to take the case to the high court if necessary. He also criticized the singer for continuing these performances while wearing a turban, questioning the disconnect between the cultural symbol and the promotion of such content.
The Ludhiana concert, an unexpected addition to the finale of Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati India Tour, had been announced on December 23 and quickly sold out. Initially concluding the tour in Guwahati, the Ludhiana stop replaced that location. However, this was not the only city where Dosanjh’s performances raised concerns. In Hyderabad, he had received a legal notice over similar allegations regarding his alcohol-promoting tracks, and in Indore, he defended himself against ticket resale accusations.
Earlier in the year, during a performance in Ahmedabad, Dosanjh made headlines when he promised to stop singing alcohol-related songs if the Indian government enacted a nationwide liquor ban. “I will cease singing about alcohol if all states go dry,” he stated at the concert.
Despite the ongoing controversies surrounding his song lyrics, Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati tour has been a resounding success, with tickets selling out rapidly across all cities.
