Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming Ahmedabad concert has drawn official scrutiny, with the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) asking the police to ensure that certain songs and stage elements are excluded from the November 21 show.

In a letter dated November 5, the Ahmedabad DCPO approached the Police Commissioner following a complaint from Chandigarh-based professor Dr Panditrao Dharenavar. The professor has repeatedly objected to songs performed by Dosanjh that he believes glorify alcohol, drugs and firearms.

The letter identifies four tracks — ‘Patiala Pegg’, ‘5 Taara Theeke’, ‘Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya’ and ‘Jatt Uthe Fire Karda Jithe Pabandi Hathiyara Di’ — and calls for them to be kept out of the concert programme.

Citing the Centre's Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the DCPO argued that songs promoting alcohol and drug consumption should not be performed, even if their lyrics are altered.

Concerns over children at the concert

The complaint also seeks safeguards for children attending the event. It has asked authorities to ensure that minors are not brought on stage during the performance.

According to the representation, exposure to sound levels above 120 decibels and rapidly flashing stage lights could pose risks to children, including potential hearing damage and seizures.

The DCPO has also urged the police to prevent Dosanjh from wearing two crossed silver bullet belts, known as bandoliers, or dummy metallic cartridges across his chest. The complaint argues that such visual elements could encourage gun culture and promote violent behaviour among concertgoers.

The letter refers to an observation made by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 22, 2019. The court had called for restrictions on songs glorifying liquor, drugs and violence, including at live performances, citing concerns about their influence on children.

Similar action ahead of Indore show

The Ahmedabad development comes days after a comparable intervention ahead of Dosanjh's November 15 concert in Indore.

In that case, the District Child Protection Officer issued directions to the management of C21 Mall, asking it to ensure that the same four songs were not performed. The action followed a complaint by Dharenavar.

The professor has previously approached authorities over Dosanjh's concert performances, arguing that songs featuring references to alcohol, narcotics and weapons should not be promoted at public events.

Earlier objections during Hyderabad and Ahmedabad shows

In 2024, Dharenavar raised similar concerns ahead of Dosanjh's Hyderabad performance as part of his Dil-Luminati India Tour. Telangana authorities subsequently issued a notice to the event organisers following his representation.

Dosanjh modified the lyrics of tracks including ‘5 Taara’ and ‘Lemonade’ during the show.

The singer also reportedly avoided performing alcohol-themed songs at his Ahmedabad concert in November 2024, referring to Gujarat's prohibition on alcohol.

The latest complaint has once again placed the singer's concert repertoire and stage presentation under scrutiny ahead of his scheduled performance in the state.