Ahead of the upcoming Filmfare Awards in Mohali on August 23, a complaint has been lodged with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann against Punjabi singer Yo Yo Honey Singh. The complaint, submitted by Prof. Pandit Rao Dharnevar of Chandigarh, urges the government to bar the singer from performing unless he provides a written undertaking to withdraw songs from YouTube that allegedly glorify alcohol, drugs, gun culture, and objectify women.
In his letter, Prof. Rao argued that allowing Honey Singh to perform contradicts the state government’s campaign against drugs. “If he wishes to perform, he must first commit to removing such content. Otherwise, giving him a platform sends the wrong message to Punjab’s youth,” he stated.
Key Concerns Raised
Prof. Rao highlighted two major issues:
- Honey Singh’s songs allegedly promote intoxicants, guns, and derogatory portrayal of women.
- The Punjab State Women Commission had earlier issued a notice against the singer for using obscene language in his tracks. Despite being summoned, he has not appeared before the commission, which had also directed the police to file a report.
Voices of Protest Within the Music Industry
Well-known Punjabi singer Jasbir Singh “Jassi” has also opposed Honey Singh’s participation in Filmfare. While welcoming the event itself, Jassi criticized the decision to give a stage to the rapper, claiming his songs negatively influence young listeners.
“Honey Singh himself once said he would inject drugs into people’s DNA. At a time when Punjab is fighting a battle against drugs, how can such an artist be allowed to perform? This is not about personal rivalry—it’s about protecting Punjab,” Jassi said, appealing to citizens to stand against what he called a cultural decline.
Professor Rao’s Long-Standing Campaign
Prof. Pandit Rao Dharnevar, originally from Karnataka and now a professor in Chandigarh, has been active in safeguarding Punjabi culture for nearly two decades. An M.Phil. graduate from JNU, he has translated multiple religious texts between Punjabi and Kannada and also teaches Punjabi to medical staff at PGI to aid communication with patients.
His activism is not new—he had earlier petitioned the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the glorification of alcohol and weapons in Punjabi music, leading the court to direct both state and central governments to frame a policy on the issue. He has previously succeeded in restricting certain performances by singers, including Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Aujla, and Gippy Grewal on similar grounds.
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