Punjabi music sensation Diljit Dosanjh has ignited a national debate after subtly changing the lyrics of his popular songs during his ongoing “Dil-Luminati India Tour 2024.” The star made headlines by replacing references to alcohol—such as “daaru” (alcohol) and “theka” (liquor store)—in his hits “Pehle Lalkare,” “Lemonade,” and “5 Taara” with “Coke” and “hotel.” This unexpected twist has not only garnered praise from fans but has also sparked a broader discussion about India’s dry states and the role of alcohol in popular culture.
The change was first noticed during his Hyderabad concert on November 16th. In a video shared on the ‘teamdiljitglobal’ Instagram page, Dosanjh performed “Pehle Lalkare” with the altered lyrics. The line “Dooja kamm bottlaan de datt pattne” (second task is to drink bottles) was changed to “Dooja kamm Coke de datt pattne” (second task is to drink Coke). The substitution caught the attention of many, including Coca-Cola, which responded playfully on social media, adding their own twist with the line “Chautha kaam twade gaane japne” (fourth task is worshipping your songs), complete with heart and smiley emojis. The interaction highlights how the change quickly went viral.
Dosanjh’s actions took a political turn during his Ahmedabad concert on November 17th. Addressing previous notices he received about alcohol content in his songs while performing in dry states like Gujarat, Dosanjh revealed that he had not received any such notices on that occasion. He then made a bold statement, announcing that he would refrain from performing any songs with alcohol references and called for a nationwide movement to declare all Indian states dry.
The 40-year-old singer, who proudly identifies as a teetotaler, challenged the government, saying, “Let’s start a movement. If all states become dry, I’ll stop singing songs about alcohol from the very next day… I will stop singing about alcohol, and you shut the ‘thekas’ in the country… I take a pledge.” His remarks also referenced the irony during the COVID-19 pandemic when liquor stores remained open despite widespread lockdowns.
Dosanjh further defended his stance by highlighting his extensive catalog of devotional songs, pointing out that the number of his alcohol-related songs is minimal. He also took a stand against alcohol promotions in Bollywood, positioning himself as a voice of reason among major artists. He concluded by noting that his ability to modify his songs was made easier by his personal abstinence from alcohol. As part of his 10-city “Dil-Luminati India Tour 2024,” which wraps up in Guwahati on December 29th, this statement has sparked an ongoing national conversation extending beyond the entertainment industry.
