Satinder Sartaaj News: Punjabi singer and composer Dr. Satinder Sartaaj has called on the state government to create a more supportive environment for artists to perform concerts without unnecessary hurdles. Highlighting ongoing challenges faced by performers, including Diljit Dosanjh and Karan Aujla, Sartaaj advocated for the establishment of a "one-window system" to streamline permissions and logistics for music shows.
Speaking on the matter, Sartaaj emphasized the need for a single-application process, where the government would take responsibility for ensuring all necessary arrangements, allowing artists to focus on their performances.
Challenges for Punjabi Artists in Chandigarh
The call for reforms comes after several incidents of administrative hurdles and police interference during live concerts in Chandigarh. Recently, Diljit Dosanjh criticized the lack of a structured framework for live performances in India, pointing out the absence of clear government guidelines.
Satinder Sartaaj, who is credited with popularizing ticketed shows in Punjab to make them family-friendly, shared his own team's struggles. A letter sent by Sartaaj’s team to the Chandigarh Police DGP and top officials, highlighting alleged misbehavior by the police during past events, reportedly received no response.
In a notable incident, the Chandigarh Administration fined the organizers of Karan Aujla's concert over ?1.16 crore for advertising the event before obtaining the required permits. Additionally, reliable sources claim that organizers of Dosanjh’s recent show were asked to provide 5,000 complimentary passes.
Artists Refusing Future Shows in Chandigarh
Frustrated by the lack of cooperation, Sartaaj’s team revealed that the singer would no longer perform in Chandigarh. Similar sentiments were echoed by the teams of Karan Aujla and Diljit Dosanjh. While Sartaaj’s team praised district commissioners (DCs) and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) in Punjab for their collaborative approach, they noted that on-ground cooperation from administrative staff is often lacking.
Global Contrast and Revenue Potential
Sartaaj highlighted the stark contrast in how Punjabi artists are welcomed abroad, where mayors and city officials actively invite them to perform. These events not only generate significant tax revenue but also boost local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers.
For instance, Chandigarh is expected to earn over Rs 2 crore in GST from Diljit Dosanjh’s recent concert alone. Last year, Sartaaj himself paid Rs 3.80 crore in GST through ticketing platform Book My Show. He urged authorities to recognize the cultural and economic value of these events and adopt a more artist-friendly approach.
