Indian authorities have restricted Punjabi music star Diljit Dosanjh from performing four of his songs at an upcoming concert in Indore, citing concerns about their potential influence on children. The decision follows a complaint over lyrics that allegedly promote alcohol consumption, drug use and violence. Among the tracks named in the directive is his popular song ‘Patiala Peg’.
Dosanjh is scheduled to perform in Indore, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, on 15 November. Ahead of the concert, the district child protection officer sent a formal notice to the manager of the organising company, instructing the organisers to ensure that the four specified songs are not performed during the event. Officials confirmed the development on Saturday, 7 November.
The other three songs covered by the restriction are ‘5 Taara Theke’, ‘Jeb Vich Fame’ and ‘Jatt Fire Karda’. According to the authorities, the lyrics contain references to alcohol, narcotics and violence, raising concerns about the messages that young audiences might take away from them.
The action was initiated following a complaint by Chandigarh-based doctor Panditrao Dharennavar. He approached the authorities seeking a prohibition on the performance of the four songs at Dosanjh’s Indore concert. He also requested that the restrictions remain in place even if the singer or organisers modify the original lyrics before performing them.
The presence of children at the event has been a central factor behind the authorities’ decision. The official communication reportedly states that children above the age of five will be allowed to enter the concert venue. This has prompted concerns that young attendees could be exposed to content involving alcohol, drug use and violence.
The district authorities have also cited 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 measures to prevent the performance of songs that glorify alcohol consumption, narcotics and violence.
The court’s directive also applies to live musical performances, making it relevant to concerts and other public entertainment events. The reference to the 2019 order provides a legal context for the restrictions being imposed ahead of Dosanjh’s performance.
Dharennavar has raised several additional concerns about the arrangements for the concert. He has requested that children should not be brought onto the stage during the event. 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 during the performance.
The complaints bring into focus a wider debate about the responsibility of performers and event organisers when concerts are accessible to children. Music is an important form of artistic expression, but questions about lyrical content and its possible influence on younger listeners have prompted scrutiny of live performances in India. The authorities’ latest action reflects an attempt to address those concerns within the framework of an existing court directive.
Dosanjh is one of India’s most prominent Punjabi singers and entertainers. Alongside his successful music career, he has established himself as an actor and built a substantial following beyond the Punjabi-speaking audience. His concerts regularly attract large crowds, while his performances have helped introduce Punjabi music to international audiences.
His popularity, particularly among younger listeners, has made the restrictions ahead of the Indore concert a subject of public interest. The decision also raises questions about how organisers will balance the demands of a major live performance with the conditions imposed by local authorities.
However, it remains unclear whether the organisers will introduce any further changes to the concert programme or stage arrangements. No additional restrictions on Dosanjh’s other songs have been detailed in the report. The authorities’ instructions specifically concern the four named tracks, leaving the rest of the performance programme unaffected unless further directions are issued.
