Ranjit Bawa controversy: Ammy Virk, Karaj Gill and other Punjabi artists support Ranjit Bawa's 'Mera Ki Kasoor'

Ranjit Bawa controversy: Punjabi singer-turned-actor’s latest single track titled ‘Mera Ki Kasoor’ has provoked heated statements by a majority of people.

Punjabi singer-turned-actor Ranjit Bawa has been in hot water since the release of his latest single track titled ‘Mera Ki Kasoor’ a few days ago.

Written by Bir Singh and musically composed by Gurmoh, the song had released on Bawa’s official YouTube channel. The audio supported by a lyrical video questioned several religious practices from the perspective of an underprivileged individual.

Considering what needy people are going through in the country amidst the novel COVID-19 pandemic, the song’s timing was fitting and it appeared to ask questions with the right intentions.

That said, the questioning of religious practices invited severe criticism for the song and the individuals involved from the word go. People’s tryst with religion saw them circulating messages on WhatsApp regarding reporting the song on YouTube for spreading hatred as simply ignoring/disliking a video in their individual capacity involves significant effort!

Ranjit Bawa controversy

It is no less than a concern that singers can’t get away after being accused (mostly wrongly) of spreading hate on YouTube but general public isn’t even answerable to anyone for doing a greater harm on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp messages did their bit (as always) as several FIRs and complaints have been registered against Bawa in parts of Punjab and even in Delhi.

Bawa, who was allegedly spreading hatred and was accused of demeaning other religions, ended up deleting the song from YouTube and even offered an apology for singing it in the first place.

“Artists are for all and I respect all the religions. My song Mera Ki Kasoor ended up hurting a lot of people. It is never my intention to hurt your feelings. I always try to sing good songs for you. If someone didn’t like this song, I feel sorry for the same and will try to keep you happy in the future,” Bawa was quoted as saying in the video.

In an ideal world, the criticism should have never happened for Article 19(1)(a) of Indian Constitution says that all citizens have the right to freedom of speech and expression. In a semi-ideal world, the criticism should have stopped post Bawa deleting the song and offering an apology. But, none of this happened.

While the lyrics of the song had questioned three religions in Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity, the complaints were predominantly lodged by some Hindu groups in the state. An individual belonging to one of the groups even displayed the audacity of announcing cash prize worth INR 1 lakh for anyone who throws ink on Bawa’s face.

Ammy Virk, Karaj Gill and others support Ranjit Bawa’s ‘Mera Ki Kasoor’

There is no going into a safe house regarding the fact that other celebrities who react on such an issue can also face consequences primarily in the form of people’s wrath across social media platforms.

While almost no notable Punjabi artist spoke on the matter initially, actor Kuljinder Singh Sidhu was among the firsts to share his view. Taking to his Facebook page, Sidhu made it clear that the song is a question and not a statement and needs to be debated in a progressive society.

Sidhu, who was last seen in ‘Mitti: Virasat Babbaran Di’ last year, also shared his telephonic interview with Prime Asia TV where he is heard talking about being in constant touch with Bawa who is under a bit of pressure due to the scathing response around Mera Ki Kasoor.

Singer-turned-actor-turned-producer Ammy Virk, who started his career at almost the same time like Bawa, took to his Instagram account to express support. Similarly, illustrious producer Karaj Gill, music composer Desi Crew, lyricist-turned-producer Bunty Bains and actor Sonpreet Jawanda have been vocal in Bawa’s favour.

While Punjabi singers and lyricists are often denounced for creating songs which don’t match the reality in the state from any aspect, the question which arises is whether people are tolerant enough to listen to the ground reality?

On one hand, people tend to censure artists who solely release commercial songs and not sing/write around social issues. On the other hand, someone who attempts songs around social issues is not spared either. The double standard reminds me of Diljit Dosanjh’s famous dialogue, “Hun chidhi vechaari ki kare, thanda paani pee mare?”.

In an interaction with News18, renowned actor and sitting Member of Parliament from Sangrur Bhagwant Mann and singers in Rabbi Shergill and Gurshabad also expressed their support for Bawa.

While lyricist Bir Singh called for freedom of expression for artists on the same platform, Mann summed up the conversation by stating a reality that no religion or community is weak to the extent that it will get degraded by someone’s song or movie.

The only reason why Bawa and Bir Singh should have been responsible with the lyrics of the song is the prevailing religious atmosphere in the country. Knowing that people are averse to artists who question religious norms, perhaps Bawa and Bir Singh should have stuck to practicing absolute diplomacy. Expressing themselves in the way that they have was bound to bring trouble as people are yet to develop the appetite for such songs.