Notice to Diljit Dosanjh ahead of Hyderabad concert: Don't sing songs on drugs

The Telangana government has instructed singer Diljit Dosanjh to refrain from performing songs promoting alcohol, drugs, or violence during his upcoming Hyderabad concert.

In Short

• Dosanjh restricted from singing songs promoting alcohol, drugs, or violence
• Notice sent as previous concerts featured songs with such themes
• Children banned from stage due to WHO guidelines on sound exposure

The Telangana government issued a notice to Diljit Dosanjh and the organisers of his Dil-Luminati concert scheduled for November 15, 2024, in Hyderabad. The notice mandates that Dosanjh avoid performing any songs that promote alcohol, drugs, or violence, citing past instances where similar songs were part of his repertoire.

This directive follows a representation by Panditrao Dharenavar from Chandigarh, who provided video evidence of Dosanjh performing such explicit songs at past events, including recent Dil-Luminati concerts at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Jaipur. He has also performed such songs at other international shows.

Fans of the Punjabi actor-singer have been anticipating the Hyderabad concert, which is almost sold out. Diljit Dosanjh, whose Dil-Luminati tour of 11 cities began on October 26, in New Delhi.

Hyderabad is his third venue in the Dil-Luminati tour.

However, the latest order served on the singer could dampen the enthusiasm of the music buffs. The department of Welfare of Women and Children, Disabled and Senior Citizens of Ranga Reddy district issued the order following a representation submitted by Dharenavar.

The order explicitly also stated that the programme organisers and the singer should not “use” children on stage during the live show.

The notice prohibited the use of children on stage, aligning with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on sound exposure.

According to WHO, children under 13 should not be exposed to sound level above 120 db.

“Therefore, children should not be used on stage during your live show where peak sound pressure level is above 120db,” the notice said.

Concert guidelines acknowledge the use of loud music and flashing lights, which pose health risks, particularly for those under 13.

Concert organisers and Dosanjh were, thus, formally reminded to comply with these directives to ensure a safe and regulation-compliant event.