Mohali: A complaint has been lodged with the Punjab government and district administration seeking restrictions on Bollywood rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh’s performance at the upcoming Filmfare Punjab Awards. The grand event is scheduled to take place on August 23, 2025, at IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, where several Punjabi singers and actors, including Honey Singh, are expected to perform.
Social activist and public interest petitioner Dr. Panditrao Dharanwar has demanded that organizers provide a written undertaking by August 20, ensuring that no songs promoting obscenity, alcohol, drugs, or weapons will be performed on stage. He warned that if authorities fail to act, he will file a contempt of court petition.
Reference to Women’s Commission Notice
In his letter, Dr. Dharanwar reminded the administration that the Punjab State Women’s Commission had earlier issued a notice to Honey Singh, accusing him of demeaning women in his track Millionaire. Despite being summoned, Singh allegedly never appeared before the commission. Dharanwar stated that such songs “hurt the dignity of women and misguide society.”
Songs Under Objection
The complaint particularly flagged numbers like Char Bottle Vodka, Manali Trance, Breakup Party, One Bottle Down, Main Sharabi, Maniac, Makhna, and Millionaire for promoting intoxication, obscenity, and a culture of violence. He argued that such lyrics contribute to rising drug abuse and criminal tendencies among youth.
High Court Precedent Cited
Dr. Dharanwar also pointed to an earlier Punjab and Haryana High Court order on his PIL, where the court ruled that songs glorifying alcohol, drugs, or violence negatively influence children and youth. The court had directed Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh police chiefs to ensure such tracks were not performed in public events.
Administration Asked to Act
The activist has requested the Mohali administration to secure a written affidavit from event organizers affirming compliance. A copy of this affidavit, he said, should be shared with him so that legal action can be pursued in case of violations.
The matter has once again sparked debate on the role of popular music in shaping youth culture, with eyes now on whether the authorities will impose restrictions at the star-studded Filmfare Punjab night.
