New Delhi: Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, who performed in Lucknow recently during his concert addressed a challenge posed by news anchor Sudhir Chaudhary.
The anchor had questioned whether Diljit could create hit songs without referencing alcohol, following a recent controversy where the Telangana government asked the singer to avoid promoting alcohol and drugs in his Hyderabad concert. In response, Diljit had previously called for a ban on alcohol sales altogether.
Taking to Instagram, Diljit responded to the challenge in a video, saying, “Media is talking about ‘Diljit vs this, Diljit vs that.’ Let me clarify, I have no competition with anyone. I receive love from everywhere.”
Without naming Sudhir Chaudhary directly, he added, “One TV anchor challenged me to make hit songs without alcohol references. For your kind information, sir, my songs like Born to Shine, Kinni Kinni, GOAT, Naina, and Lover are much bigger hits than Patiala Peg. Your challenge holds no value.”
Diljit further stated that he wasn’t defending his songs but stressed the need for consistency in censorship.
“If you want to censor songs, then apply the same rules to Indian cinema. Name one big actor who hasn’t featured in a song or scene promoting alcohol. Singers are often seen as easy targets, but that’s not the case. My work isn’t cheap—I’ve received National Film Awards for my films. Running a disclaimer during concerts is easy, but it feels like targeting someone specifically. If you’ve spread fake news, I challenge you to report the truth.”
He concluded by saying he harbours no anger towards anyone but said that such discussions should be fair and truthful.
