States like Telangana and Chandigarh issued advisories against the use of words related to alcohol and violence in songs during music festivals, including Diljit Dosanjh’s performance. Singer-rapper Honey Singh recently weighed in on the matter, questioning the logic behind these restrictions and suggesting a comprehensive approach.

“Are they closing liquor shops? No, they are expected to close the liquor shops, make them a dry state, and make India a dry country. Then we talk about it,” Singh said, adding that the advice sounded like a “scam” as liquor sales remained a major revenue source.

The singer, who has publicly shared that he no longer drinks alcohol, said he will fully support the campaign for Dry India. “I don’t drink alcohol anymore, so this is a good cause. We will definitely join this campaign. we’ll sing a song about it LassiAbout this shieldAbout this Water cumin. You know, something like that,” he added with a laugh.

When asked how he would adapt his iconic alcohol-themed songs like Chaar Bottle Vodka, Singh admitted that it would be difficult. “There will be nothing left of it. This is just going to be a reason. It’s just going to be a blast,” he joked.

Singh also highlighted that the reference to alcohol is deeply embedded in Indian culture, especially Punjabi traditions. “It’s in the culture – Madeira (wine). People have been drinking this for a long time. Even when we were children, we used to listen to Gurdas Maan’s ‘Apna Punjab Hove’. It talks about making liquor at home. Gurdas Paaji is like the God of Music for us, and he presented exactly what we look for in our culture.”

He pointed out that the drinking culture extends beyond Punjab to Punjabi communities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. “We go to parties; People are drinking. We go to weddings; People are drinking. It is in the culture, not just in Punjab but in every Punjabi community,” Singh said.

The debate over alcohol references in music gained momentum after Diljit Dosanjh addressed a similar issue during his Ahmedabad concert in November. Referring to the notice he received from the Telangana government for not mentioning alcohol during his Hyderabad show, Dosanjh called for a complete ban on alcohol consumption.

“Let’s start a movement- If all states completely ban alcohol consumption, I will never sing about alcohol again in my entire life. Is this possible?” Dosanjh said, urging collective efforts to resolve the issue.