Diljit Dosanjh Cannot Sing Songs About Alcohol or Violence at Hyderabad Concert

Ahead of Diljit Dosanjh’s stop in Hyderabad on Nov. 15 as part of his massive Dil-Luminati Tour, the Punjabi star is facing restrictions by the Telangana government on the kind of songs he’s allowed to perform. 

Money Control reports The Telangana government has issued a list of restrictions for the singer and actor. The move comes after a resident of Chandigarh filed a complaint, along with video evidence, that Diljit Dosanjh had performed songs promoting alcohol, drugs and violence at a previous concert in New Delhi. In response, the District Welfare Officer of the Department of Welfare of Women and Children, Disabled and Senior Citizens, Rangareddy has issued a notice to Dosanjh, prohibiting him from singing such songs at his Hyderabad concert.

The complaint specifically cites three Dosanjh songs that have instances of alcohol and drug use, as well as violence — “Patiala Peg,” “5 Taara” and “Case” — the latter from his recent album Ghost.

The notice also warns Dosanjh against using children during his show, citing concerns about the harmful effects of loud sounds and flashing lights. The “Kinni Kinni” hitmaker and actor has previously called kids – often dressed in his signature all-white look – on stage to dance with him at shows on the Dil-Luminati Tour. 

The Hyderabad concert is part of Dosanjh’s India tour, which kicked off on Oct. 26, 2024 in New Delhi and recently traveled to Jaipur this month. 

Following the Hyderabad concert, Dosanjh heads to Ahmedabad on Nov. 17, followed by stops in Lucknow (Nov. 22), Pune (Nov. 24), Kolkata (Nov. 30), Bengaluru (Dec. 6), Indore (Dec. 8) and Chandigarh (Dec. 14). The final show of the tour is scheduled for Dec. 29 in Guwahati.

Perceived themes of violence and alcohol  — which the Telangana government has “restricted” for Dosanjh — arguably exists in much of popular Punjabi music right now. 

While it remains to be seen how these restrictions will impact this Hyderabad concert, there are other big names like Karan Aujla slated to perform in Hyderabad on Jan. 5, 2025.