"Ban alcohol nationwide, I'll stop singing about it": Diljit Dosanjh challenges liquor policies

Punjabi sensation Diljit Dosanjh took a bold stand during his Ahmedabad concert on November 17, addressing recent controversies surrounding his songs and references to alcohol. The singer responded to a notice from the Telangana government, which had requested him to avoid mentioning alcohol in his Hyderabad performance. In front of a roaring crowd, Diljit called for a nationwide liquor ban if authorities are serious about promoting such restrictions.

"If all states ban alcohol completely, I will never sing about it again," declared the 40-year-old star. He emphasized that his personal lifestyle does not include alcohol consumption and took a swipe at Bollywood actors who endorse alcohol brands. Diljit humorously added, "During COVID, everything was shut except liquor shops. How can anyone fool the youth with such double standards?"

Diljit proposed a unique solution: at least declaring a dry day in the state on the day of his performances if authorities want him to refrain from singing songs about alcohol. His comments struck a chord with fans as he questioned the logic behind allowing alcohol sales but restricting artistic expression.

The international star didn’t hold back, warning authorities not to “poke” him unnecessarily. "I quietly do my program and leave. It’s easy for me to tweak the lyrics, bro, but don’t try to regulate me when Bollywood celebrities openly promote alcohol," he said.

Diljit also highlighted the apparent bias in regulations, pointing out how foreign artists are seldom subjected to such restrictions during their performances in India. This, he claimed, is unfair treatment of local talent.

The Ahmedabad concert was part of Diljit's ongoing Dil-luminati tour in India. Known for his electrifying performances, the singer didn’t shy away from tweaking the lyrics of his popular songs to accommodate the government's notice, but his frustration with the interference was evident. His bold statements have since sparked conversations about alcohol policies and artistic freedom across the country.