Indian authorities have directed Punjabi music star Diljit Dosanjh not to perform four of his songs at his upcoming concert in Indore, citing concerns over their potential impact on children. The decision centres on lyrics that allegedly glorify alcohol consumption, drug use and violence. Among the tracks named in the directive is his widely popular song ‘Patiala Peg’.
Dosanjh is scheduled to perform in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on 15 November. Ahead of the event, the district child protection officer sent an official communication to the manager of the organising company, instructing the organisers to ensure that the four specified songs are excluded from the concert programme. Officials confirmed the development on Saturday, 7 November.
The other three songs facing restrictions are ‘5 Taara Theke’, ‘Jeb Vich Fame’ and ‘Jatt Fire Karda’. According to the authorities, the lyrics of these tracks contain references to drinking, narcotics and violence. Officials are concerned that such content could have an adverse influence on younger members of the audience.
The administrative action follows a complaint lodged by Chandigarh-based doctor Panditrao Dharennavar. He approached the relevant authorities, requesting that Dosanjh be prevented from performing the four songs during the Indore concert. His appeal also called for the restrictions to remain in place even if the original lyrics were altered before the songs were performed.
The possibility of children attending the event has been a significant consideration behind the decision. The official communication reportedly states that children above the age of five will be allowed into the concert venue. Authorities have expressed concern that young attendees could be exposed to lyrics dealing with alcohol, drug consumption and violent behaviour.
The district administration has also referred to a directive issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on 22 July 2019. Under that order, police in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh were instructed to take appropriate action to prevent the performance of songs that glorify alcohol, narcotics and violence.
The court’s directive also covers live musical performances, making it relevant to concerts and other public entertainment events. By referring to the 2019 order, the authorities have placed their latest decision within the context of an existing judicial instruction concerning the content of publicly performed music.
Dharennavar has raised concerns about other aspects of the concert as well. He has requested that children should not be brought onto the stage during the performance. He has also objected to the silver crossed bullet belts, or metallic cartridge-like accessories, worn across Dosanjh’s chest, asking the authorities to prevent their use at the event.
The complaint has brought renewed attention to the debate over lyrical content in popular music, particularly when concerts are open to children. While performers enjoy artistic freedom, authorities and event organisers also face questions about their responsibilities towards younger audiences. The issue is especially relevant at large-scale concerts, where audiences often include people from different age groups.
Dosanjh is among India’s most prominent Punjabi singers and entertainers. Alongside his successful music career, he has established himself as an actor and built a substantial international following. His concerts regularly attract large crowds, and his performances have helped introduce Punjabi-language music to audiences well beyond India.
His popularity among younger listeners makes the concerns surrounding the Indore event particularly significant. The restrictions also highlight the challenges organisers face in balancing an artist’s established repertoire with administrative requirements and concerns about child protection.
The four-song directive is expected to influence the concert’s musical programme. However, there has been no detailed announcement about whether the organisers will introduce further changes to the event’s staging or arrangements. The report also does not mention any additional restrictions on Dosanjh’s other songs.
For now, the authorities’ instructions specifically concern the four named tracks, with the focus remaining on ensuring that they are not performed at the 15 November concert.
