Actor Kangana Ranaut recently shared her views on songs that promote drugs, alcohol, and violence in popular culture. During an interview with Agenda Aaj Tak, she was asked whether she would address the issue in Parliament. Kangana responded by emphasising that the responsibility lies not only with the artists but also with the public. She highlighted how listeners, through their choices and consumption habits, also play a role in shaping the popularity of such content.
Kangana said, “Artistic expression is not dependent on anything. Himachal folk music has so many such songs. In art, it’s the emotions that matter. To each their own. That being said, when it comes to habits like substance abuse, it is not just the government’s responsibility but also that of the general public.”
Kangana’s comments came on the heels of a controversy involving popular singer Diljit Dosanjh. The debate was sparked by alcohol-themed songs performed during Diljit’s recent concert in Hyderabad, part of his Dil-Luminati Tour. The Telangana government had issued a directive preventing him from singing songs that promote alcohol, leading Diljit to modify the lyrics of his hit tracks during the performance.
In his concert, Diljit altered the lyrics of Lemonade and 5 Taara, replacing references to alcohol with non-alcoholic alternatives. In Lemonade, where the word “daaru” (alcohol) was mentioned, Diljit changed it to “Coke,” and in 5 Taara, the term “theka” (liquor store) was replaced with “hotel.” This change was made following a notice from the Telangana government, urging the artist to avoid promoting alcohol. Diljit, who is a teetotaler, also stated that he would be willing to avoid singing such songs if alcohol shops were shut down everywhere.
The controversy surrounding Diljit’s concert has sparked wider discussions about the influence of music on society, especially when it comes to substances like alcohol and drugs. Diljit later refrained from performing these alcohol-themed songs in Ahmedabad as well. His Dil-Luminati India Tour 2024 will continue with performances in Chandigarh on December 14, with the tour concluding in Guwahati on December 29.
Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut is preparing for the release of her upcoming film Emergency, in which she plays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The biographical political thriller is set against the backdrop of the 21-month Emergency period imposed by Gandhi from 1975 to 1977. The film is set to release on January 17, 2024, and also stars Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhry, and Milind Soman.