Popular Indian singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has sparked a national debate by challenging restrictions on songs promoting alcohol.

His comments came after the Telangana government banned these songs during his recent concert in Hyderabad.

At his concert in Ahmedabad, Dosanjh said, “The good news is that today I have not received any notification. I will not sing songs promoting alcohol here because alcohol is banned in Gujarat.

Dosanjh openly criticized the Telangana government, saying, “You cannot mislead people like that. During the pandemic lockdown, everything was closed except liquor stores. If governments really care, let them close liquor stores across the country. If that happens, I will. Stop singing songs about alcohol.

The Punjabi superstar also addressed his fans at the concert, urging them to start a movement to ban alcohol nationwide.

He pointed out the hypocrisy of targeting his music when Bollywood actors openly promote alcohol in their advertisements. “I don’t even drink, and yet my songs are under scrutiny, while Bollywood thrives on promoting drinking culture,” he said.

The controversy intensified after Dosanjh pointed out that international artists had the freedom to perform as they wished in India, but local artists faced unwarranted restrictions. He suggested that his success could be a reason for such criticism.

Despite the ban, Dosanjh remained optimistic, saying: “It is very easy to modify songs. I have sung dozens of good songs, but people only talk about ‘Patiala Peg’. I’ll adapt and people will still love my music.”

The debate reignited discussions about censorship, cultural norms and double standards applied to Indian artists compared to international artists.

Fans and critics are now closely watching how state governments respond to Dosanjh’s challenge.