Diljit Dosanjh Receives Legal Notice Over Alleged Pro-Alcohol Tracks At Ludhiana Show

Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh's much-anticipated New Year's Eve concert in Ludhiana has sparked legal controversy after Punditrao Dharenavar, an assistant professor from Chandigarh, filed a formal complaint against the event.

Responding to the complaint, the Deputy Director of the Women and Child Department, Government of Punjab, issued a notice to Ludhiana's District Commissioner, urging them to restrict Dosanjh from performing specific songs alleged to promote alcohol consumption during his December 31, 2024, show. The notice specifically cited tracks like Patiala Pegg, 5 Tara Theke, and Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya), even in versions with altered lyrics.

Dharenavar's complaint referenced past warnings issued to the singer by various commissions, advising him to refrain from performing such songs. Despite these advisories, Dosanjh has reportedly continued performing these tracks with minor lyric modifications. Dharenavar expressed concerns about the harmful influence of such songs on young audiences, particularly underage attendees.

The legal challenge also draws on a 2019 Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling that directed law enforcement to ensure songs glorifying alcohol, drugs, or violence are not played at public events, including concerts. Dharenavar emphasized his readiness to escalate the matter to the High Court if the concert proceeds with these tracks. He also criticized Dosanjh for wearing a pagadi (traditional turban) while performing songs that he claims promote negative values, suggesting it is disrespectful to cultural and moral traditions.

The Ludhiana concert, a last-minute addition to Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati India Tour, served as the finale for his three-month nationwide performance schedule. Initially planned to conclude in Guwahati, the Ludhiana show was announced on December 23 and sold out within minutes.

This isn't the first time Dosanjh has faced scrutiny during his tour. In November, his Hyderabad concert attracted legal notice from the Telangana government over similar allegations regarding songs promoting alcohol and violence. Meanwhile, during his Indore performance, he addressed accusations of black-market ticket sales, denying involvement in ticket price inflation.

Controversy surrounding Dosanjh's music extends beyond the Dil-Luminati tour. Earlier this year, the singer faced criticism for his comments about alcohol in his songs. During a performance in Ahmedabad, he pledged to stop creating songs about alcohol if India enacted a nationwide liquor ban. "If all states declare themselves dry, I promise I won’t sing about alcohol ever again," he stated.

Despite these challenges, Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati tour has been a resounding success, with tickets selling out at every venue. However, the ongoing legal and cultural debates surrounding his music continue to shadow his achievements.