Diljit Dosanjh's Ahmedabad concert hit with restrictions
What's the story
Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming concert in Ahmedabad on November 21 has been marred by controversy. The District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) has requested the police to restrict certain songs and stage imagery at the event, citing child safety and concerns over content allegedly promoting alcohol, drugs, and gun culture. This comes after similar restrictions were imposed for his Indore concert (on Saturday) earlier this month.
Song restrictions
DCPO's letter lists specific songs to be avoided
The DCPO's request comes after a complaint by Chandigarh-based professor Dr. Panditrao Dharenavar, who has consistently objected to songs that allegedly promote alcohol, drugs, and gun culture.
In a letter dated November 5, the DCPO has asked the police commissioner to ensure that four specific tracks are not performed at Dosanjh's concert at Narendra Modi Stadium.
The songs are Patiala Pegg, 5 Taara Theeke, Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya, and Jatt Uthe Fire Karda Jithe Pabandi Hathiyara Di.
Additional considerations
Letter references Centre's Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
The DCPO's letter cites the Centre's Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, arguing that songs glorifying alcohol and drug use should not be allowed even with modified lyrics.
It also references a July 22, 2019 observation by the Punjab and Haryana High Court advocating for restrictions on songs promoting liquor, drugs, and violence due to their potential influence on children.
Previous incident
Similar restrictions were imposed for Indore concert
This isn't the first time Dosanjh's concerts have faced such restrictions.
Earlier, ahead of his November 15 concert in Indore, the District Child Protection Officer had directed C21 Mall management to ensure that the same four songs were not performed.
The action was also taken after a complaint by Dharenavar.
Past modifications
Dosanjh modified lyrics during Hyderabad show in 2024
In 2024, ahead of the singer's Hyderabad show during his Dil-Luminati India Tour, Telangana authorities had issued a notice to the organizers following Dharenavar's representation.
Dosanjh had then modified the lyrics of songs such as 5 Taara and Lemonade during the performance.
During his Ahmedabad concert in November 2024, he also reportedly refrained from performing alcohol-themed tracks, referring to Gujarat's prohibition on alcohol.