Indore: A fresh controversy has emerged ahead of Diljit Dosanjh’s November 15 performance in Indore, with the district administration asking concert organisers to prevent four specific songs from being included in the singer’s setlist. The move followed a complaint lodged by a Chandigarh professor over the possible impact of the lyrics on children.
In a letter dated November 6, the District Child Protection Officer in Indore instructed C-21 Mall management to ensure that the tracks are not performed at the venue. The officer, working under the Department of Women and Child Development, expressed concern that the lyrics could have an undesirable influence on young attendees.
The songs mentioned in the communication are ‘Patiala Peg’, ‘5 Tara Theke’, ‘Jeb Vichon Labhiya’ and ‘Jatt Uthe Fire Karda Jitthe Pabandi Hathiyaran Di’.
Children above five can attend the concert
The authorities have not prohibited children from attending the event altogether. According to the letter, entry will be allowed for children older than five years. However, the possibility of their presence has been cited as a reason for restricting the four tracks.
The officer referred to a Punjab and Haryana High Court order issued on July 22, 2019, while directing the venue management to comply with the restrictions.
The notice has also been circulated among senior district officials, including the Indore Collector, the concerned revenue officer and the Joint Director of the Women and Child Development Department. The SHO of Vijay Nagar police station has also received a copy.
Complaint adds to scrutiny of live performances
The latest intervention comes after concerns were raised over song content at an earlier concert during Diljit’s India tour. The Indore event, scheduled at C-21 Mall, is now facing additional conditions ahead of the November 15 show.
The organisers will need to factor the child protection officer’s instructions into their concert arrangements, particularly while preparing the final list of songs for the performance.
