Hyderabad, November 15, 2024 – Ahead of Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh‘s highly anticipated ‘Dil-Luminati’ concert in Hyderabad on Friday, the Telangana government has issued a legal notice to the singer, instructing him not to perform songs promoting alcohol, drugs, or violence during the event.
The notice, issued on November 7, 2024, follows a complaint lodged by a Chandigarh-based professor, Panditrao Dharenavar, who raised concerns about the content of Dosanjh’s previous performances.
According to the notice issued by the District Welfare Officer of Rangareddy District, video evidence submitted by the complainant shows Dosanjh performing songs promoting alcohol, drugs, and violence during a recent show at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in late October. The notice explicitly warns the singer not to feature such content during his Hyderabad concert scheduled for Friday, November 17, 2024.
“We are issuing this notice in advance to deter the promotion of harmful substances and violence during your live show,” the notice reads. In addition to content concerns, the notice also addresses the safety of children at the concert. It directs Dosanjh to refrain from bringing children onto the stage due to health risks posed by high sound pressure levels. Citing World Health Organization guidelines, the notice states that sounds above 120 decibels can be harmful to children, particularly during live concerts with loud music and flashing lights.
The Controversial Diljit Tracks: Alcohol and Gun Culture in Punjabi Music
The controversy surrounding Dosanjh is not new. Punjabi music, especially in the realm of popular “Bhangra” and rap, has often faced criticism for glorifying substance abuse, violence, and a culture of aggression. Songs like Dosanjh’s Patiala Peg and 5 Taara have been seen as promoting alcohol consumption, while others in the Punjabi music industry have been accused of glorifying gun violence.
The issue of promoting violence through music was brought to the forefront in 2020 when the late singer Sidhu Moosewala faced legal charges for his song Sanju, which allegedly glorified gun culture. In the same year, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann cautioned Punjabi artists against encouraging violence and drug use in their lyrics.
Hyderabad Concert Details: A Crowd of 20,000 Expected
Despite the legal notice, Dosanjh’s ‘Dil-Luminati’ concert is still set to take place at the GMR Arena in Hyderabad’s Airport Approach Road on Friday, with over 20,000 attendees expected. Police authorities, including Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty, have assured that security measures are in place for crowd and traffic control, as well as to prevent any potential criminal activity. However, there are no specific restrictions on the event from law enforcement.
“We are prepared to handle the expected crowd. Police have been deployed for the smooth conduct of the event, but there are no additional curbs,” Commissioner Mohanty said.
Diljit’s Hyderabad Tour: A Glimpse of the City
Diljit Dosanjh, who landed in Hyderabad on Wednesday, has been sharing glimpses of his visit to the city with his fans on social media. In a video posted to X (formerly Twitter), the singer was seen riding an auto-rickshaw and exploring iconic locations like the Charminar, adding a personal touch to his Hyderabad tour.
The singer, known for his energetic performances and loyal fan base, remains one of the most influential figures in the Punjabi music industry. However, with this legal notice hanging over his head, Dosanjh’s concert will likely attract even more attention as authorities ensure that the event complies with local regulations.
What’s Next for Diljit Dosanjh?
As Friday’s concert approaches, all eyes will be on Diljit Dosanjh to see how he responds to the legal notice and whether he adheres to the government’s requests. Given the high-profile nature of the event and the public interest surrounding his music, it is expected that this issue will continue to make headlines in the days to come.
The Dil-Luminati concert is scheduled to begin at 7 PM on November 17, 2024, at the GMR Arena, Hyderabad.