Badshah slams double standards, supports Diljit Dosanjh's stance on alcohol-themed songs: 'Why shouldn't they be made?'

"You are telling him not to sing or make songs about alcohol but then you're selling liquor everywhere," fired back Badshah, delivering a scathing response in support of Diljit Dosanjh, whom he regards as an elder brother, following the recent controversy over lyrics of his song referencing alcohol.

On Friday, rapper Badshah came out in strong support of Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh during an appearance at Sahitya Aaj Tak.

Badshah echoed Diljit's recent comments, agreeing with the singer's stance that he would stop making alcohol-themed songs the day liquor shops are shut down across the country.

The rapper also called attention to what he saw as a glaring double standard¡ªwhile musicians are being criticised for referencing alcohol in their songs, liquor is sold freely across the nation.

"He is totally right. You are telling him not to sing or make songs about alcohol, but then you're selling liquor everywhere. Why shouldn't they be made? An artist represents society, and that's what keeps them relevant. They speak about things that the whole world wants to say," Badshah said.

Diljit, currently on his Dil-Luminati Tour, had earlier clarified that he doesn't consume alcohol himself and would happily take a pledge to stop singing such songs, provided liquor shops are closed nationwide.

"If you don't want him to sing about something, then that thing shouldn't be in society in the first place," Badshah added.

Expressing deep admiration for Diljit, he shared, "He means a lot to me because he is like an elder brother to me. Whenever I've faced problems, he's always been there to guide me. There's so much to learn from him¡ªhe's an inspiration. He's a very nice person. One should always treat such a person with care in life."

What is the Diljit Dosanjh alcohol controversy?

Credit: IG/ Diljit Dosanjh

The Telangana government had issued a warning to the organisers of Diljit Dosanjh's concert in Hyderabad, stating that any songs promoting violence, drugs, or alcohol would not be allowed.

In response, Diljit showcased his creativity by adjusting his lyrics on the spot to comply with the restrictions.

After his performance in Hyderabad, Diljit moved on to Ahmedabad, where, despite not receiving any such directive from the Gujarat government, he once again chose to avoid alcohol-themed songs.

Addressing the crowd, Diljit explained, "Even today, I won't sing any song about alcohol. That's because Gujarat is a dry state."

He went on to propose a bold challenge, saying, "Let's start a movement¡ªif all states ban liquor consumption completely, I will never sing a song about alcohol again in my entire life. Is this possible? During COVID, everything was closed except liquor shops. You can't fool the youth. If not a complete ban, then at least declare a dry day in your state on the day of my performance, and I will refrain from singing any alcohol-related song."

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