17.31°C Vancouver

Nov 19, 2024 5:22 PM - Connect Newsroom

Then ban alcohol: Diljit Dosanjh

Share On
then-ban-alcohol-diljit-dosanjh
Diljit's comments came in response to the Telangana government's request for him to avoid promoting alcohol, drugs, and violence in his music ahead of his upcoming concert in Hyderabad.(Photo: Facebook/Diljit Dosanjh)

Internationally acclaimed artist Diljit Dosanjh made headlines recently with his bold statements challenging the criticism directed at his music for promoting alcohol. During a performance in Ahmedabad, he called on authorities nationwide to implement a complete ban on liquor. He also announced that he would refrain from performing songs related to alcohol, in solidarity with Gujarat, a state where alcohol consumption is prohibited.

Diljit's comments came in response to the Telangana government's request for him to avoid promoting alcohol, drugs, and violence in his music ahead of his upcoming concert in Hyderabad. The artist, currently on his Dil-Luminati India Tour, made modifications to his songs Lemonade and 5 Taara but criticized what he described as a "double standard" by the authorities.

"Good news! No notices for me today," he told his audience in Ahmedabad, subtly referring to the Telangana government's warning. "And just to be clear, I won't be singing any alcohol-related songs tonight. That's because Gujarat is a dry state," he added, drawing attention to the local prohibition law.

After the crowd expressed mixed reactions regarding whether liquor was actually banned in Gujarat, Diljit said that if the state had truly enforced a liquor ban, he would be a fan of the government's decision.

He then issued a challenge to all other states: "If you shut down liquor stores nationwide, I will stop singing songs about alcohol." He further highlighted what he viewed as the hypocrisy of the authorities during the pandemic, noting, "During the lockdown, everything was closed, but liquor shops stayed open. You can't deceive the youth like this."

Diljit emphasized that he would not be intimidated by such notices and stressed how simple it is for artists to alter their lyrics. "Changing the lyrics of a song is easy," he said. "I'm no newcomer to the music scene. If I'm told not to sing a certain song, I won’t feel helpless. I’ll just tweak the lyrics, and the crowd will still enjoy it."

During his conversation with the crowd, Diljit took it a step further by suggesting the idea of starting a nationwide movement to ban liquor. "Let’s launch a movement. If every state declares itself a dry state, I will stop performing alcohol-related songs at my live shows the very next day. Or here’s another idea: if the place I perform in declares a dry day, I won’t sing any alcohol-related songs," he said.

Diljit also pointed out that despite having sung numerous devotional songs in his career, the only track people seemed to focus on was Patiala Peg. He remarked that Bollywood has an entire catalog of songs about alcohol, with stars endorsing liquor brands. "Bollywood has thousands of songs about alcohol. I only have a few. Even now, I won’t perform those songs. It’s easy for me to change the lyrics," he said, adding, "I don't drink, and I don’t endorse alcohol, but Bollywood stars do."

Latest news

when-fame-meets-responsibility-khan-saabs-surrey-visit-sheds-light-on-punjab-flood-relief-efforts
PollywoodSep 15, 2025

When Fame Meets Responsibility: Khan Saab’s Surrey Visit Sheds Light on Punjab Flood Relief Efforts

Jasmine Singh As devastating floods continue to affect countless lives in Punjab, the global Punjabi community has risen to the occasion with solidarity, support, and compassion. From local residents to international organizations, help has been pouring in from across the world. Among those stepping forward are not only charitable groups but also public figures who are using their platforms to raise awareness and gather aid. This week, celebrated Punjabi and Sufi singer Khan Saab paid a heartfelt visit to Connect Media Network’s office in Surrey, where he engaged in a candid conversation wi
diljit-dosanjh-takes-punjabi-to-global-heights-with-aryan-khan-collab-a-moment-of-pride-for-every-punjabi
PollywoodSep 15, 2025

Diljit Dosanjh Takes Punjabi to Global Heights with Aryan Khan Collab: A Moment of Pride for Every Punjabi!

The recently released song ‘Tenu Ki Pata’ from the upcoming project ‘The Ba**ds of Bollywood’* has created a wave of excitement, not just for its music but for what it represents. This track marks a surprising yet powerful collaboration between Diljit Dosanjh, one of Punjab’s most loved and globally recognized artists, and Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan and it’s nothing short of iconic. For years, Punjabi culture in Bollywood was limited to background songs or comic characters. But now, Punjabi and Punjabiyat are taking centre stage, not just as representation
BollywoodSep 15, 2025

Aabeer Gulaal Sparks Hope for Art Beyond Borders: Why Cinema Should Rise Above Politics

Earlier this year, excitement buzzed across the subcontinent with the announcement that Pakistani actor Fawad Khan would return to Bollywood in the romantic comedy Aabeer Gulaal (initially titled Abir Gulaal). Starring opposite Indian actress Vaani Kapoor, the film was set to mark Fawad’s long awaited comeback to Indian cinema after nearly a decade a return that many hoped would also signal a return to artistic collaboration between India and Pakistan. Fawad’s Bollywood career came to a halt following the 2016 Uri terror attack, after which a ban on Pakistani artists in India was impose
something-has-shifted-bollywood-steps-up-for-a-flooded-punjab
BollywoodSep 10, 2025

Something Has Shifted: Bollywood Steps Up for a Flooded Punjab

Jasmine Singh Bollywood has often embraced Punjab for its vibrant music, colorful culture, and high-energy presence usually in the form of chart-topping songs or scenic locations used to promote films. But rarely has the industry paused to engage with the real Punjab, its struggles, its people, its pain. That’s why what we’re seeing now feels so different. The recent floods in Punjab that have ravaged large parts of the state seem to have struck a deeper chord, prompting a kind of response we don’t often witness from the Hindi film industry. It could be the sheer scale of destruction
diljit-dosanjh-zomato-and-the-punjabi-diaspora-unite-for-punjab-flood-relief
BollywoodSep 10, 2025

Diljit Dosanjh, Zomato, and the Punjabi Diaspora Unite for Punjab Flood Relief

Jasmine Singh In a heartfelt blend of stardom and social responsibility, global music sensation Diljit Dosanjh has teamed up with Zomato and his own Saanjh Foundation to support flood relief efforts in Punjab during his ongoing Aura world tour. While Diljit performs on stage across Australia, his heart and his team are deeply rooted in the flood-hit villages of Punjab. Zomato, known for its quirky marketing campaigns, has come forward not just to work with Diljit's Saanjh foundation for flood relief. Back home, the Punjabi diaspora isn’t far behind. Communities from Canada’s Surrey (o

Related News

No records found.