Shhhh...the cops are listening!

Jasmine Singh

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This time Punjabi singers might end up with a bad hangover, as the Punjab Police decides to launch a crusade against Punjabi songs promoting drugs, gangs and gang wars and violence.

At a recent conference, Sukhchain Singh Gill, Patiala DIG, shared that they have been given instructions to hold meetings with singers, and the aim is to save the youth of Punjab and avoid promotion of culture of weapons, drugs and violence. So, it could be possible that in the near future you might not dance to any peg song or won’t hear the word dunali in any Punjabi song! But, who draws the line as to which are the destructive lyrics and which ones are meant for plain enjoyment—singers, music lovers or the government! 

Not literally

Noted Punjabi writer Tejwant Gill shares how drinking finds a mention on occasions, be it a marriage party, heart break or blooming love in old Punjabi songs as well. “But now, I think, it has gone too far. Now, songs are talking about daru or even dunali and machoism associated with it as a matter of fact. They have taken it pretty literally and so have the listeners, mostly youngsters.” 

It shouldn’t come as a surprise but there are more than 200 songs popularising alcohol and a good number on gangs and gang wars and all are quite popular. Punjabi singer Sharry Mann’s song 3 Peg, the hit song of 2017, has over 205 million views and Mankirat Aulakh’s song Gangland has over 80 million views. This is an indicator of acceptance and how much youngsters like these kind of songs and how well they are doing commercially. 

Ban or not 

Punjabi lyricist Mandeep Singh sees it as a phase, a popular trend. “Apart from the moral responsibility, artistes in Punjabi entertainment industry also have a commercial angle. If, for instance, a song on peg or gang or guns does exceptionally well, I am sure they will be lured to sing another one like that, and this will further encourage other singers to do the same. Either, there should be a blanket ban on such songs, but wouldn’t this then be a creative massacre.” 

What is the option? 

On the other hand popular writer Jasbir Mand explains the situation with an example. “Imagine, you are served langar which has been poisoned and you’ve also been told that there is no other option. This is exactly what we are facing right now. First, we killed the Punjabi culture through all the means and now we are saying go back to culture. But, is the environment favourable?” 

We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that songs like these too have an audience, so does this shift the onus on artistes, or should there be a statutory warning saying that a particular song can be injurious to health? 

Don’t blame music 

Popular music director Sachin Ahuja is known for keeping his music not only traditional but clean as well. “Look at the cringe pop singer Dhinchak Pooja. People laugh at her music but still share her videos, making every video of her go viral.” Sachin Ahuja feels that one cannot blame the music, “Ultimately, it is the lyrics and how the song is picturised that provoke the youngsters who will like anything and everything that is against the norms. If you tell them this is bad music, trust me this is the first thing that they will do, listen to such songs, which are created only for instant fame.”  

Entertainment is not just about messages, it is also about fun. But someone needs to draw a line between fun and fun spoilers, now who will do this is what needs to be answered.

jasmine@tribunemail.com