Cashing in on violence

Jasmine Singh

16va vi tappeya, 17va vi tappeya 

18ve ‘ch munda badnam ho gaya…

The Punjabi song Badnam by singer Mankirat Aulakh has become one of the chartbuster songs of 2017. With more than 53 million views, the song that also features DJ Flow is heard at every marriage and every party. For those of you who wouldn’t know, the song by Mankirat Aulakh highlights and glorifies the life of a young gangster. This young gangster has female fans swooning over him; he hangs out with drug lords. Interestingly, this is not the only song; there are dozens of others by various singers, glorifying the deeds of gangs and young gangsters.

With the rate of juvenile crimes on the rise; is it okay for singers to pick up such topics? Does freedom of speech and expression, in performing arts, entail us to do anything and get away with the tendencies to spread violence in a direct or covert manner?

It’s a reality and we’ll depict it! 

Daang by Mankirat Aulakh, Gangland  and Jail by Mankirat Aulakh, Criminal Yaar by Elly Mangta, Mafia, Gangster Scene  by Gursewak Dhillon, Gangwar by Laddi Sandhu; these are just some of the songs singing praises of a gangster’s world without being apologetic about it. “And why should we be,” shares DJ Preet who wants us to answer one small thing, “Are we showing something that is not happening? Are gang wars unheard of or don’t you see young boys in colleges and universities getting into brawls and fights during student elections and otherwise? No Punjabi singer is glorifying gangs, we are saying look like other things in society, these also exist.” 

Why give them attention? 

The singer fraternity in Punjab washes its hands of the topic of glorifying gangsters. However, there are some like well-known lyricist and music director Bunty Bains who would rather pick up topics that have a positive effect on the fans. “I am not saying this is not a reality; well, if it is then why make them sound like role models? Personally, if we sing about them or mention their doings in our work, we are giving attention to them, which they don’t deserve.”

Social responsibility 

It is through songs and even films that the creative lot tries to say something. So, singing about gangs and gangsters cannot be nullified as non-existential and neither can be highlighting them in an over-the-top manner. Punjabi modern critic Tejwant Gill has always questioned useless and meaningless lyrics in Punjabi songs. “If we are talking about reality then why don’t they sing about honour killings, female foeticide, transgender issues, smoking, flesh trade, why not highlight these subjects through songs?” Tejwant Gill raises a genuine point, the answer to which lies with the singers and also with those who listen to these songs. 

The onus lies on listeners 

The on-the-face reality is that songs like these (gangsters) sell, they are lapped up for party celebrations, make for dancing numbers and generate revenue. Gurjot S Kaler, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mohali has sung a single track Hero Farmer, which depicted the harsh realities of farmers’. “Both the professions demand a consideration and reverence for the basic tenets of human values and ethics of society.  I would never recommend, appreciate or indulge in presenting songs on gangster culture. So, does the buck stop at the youngsters, do they create a demand for it? The questions still remain,  why sing about them, nevertheless, why not opt for a better topic?