Newspartisan Rhetoric in Bollywood: Kangana Ranaut Defends Diljit Dosanjh

In a highly polarizing debate on artistic expression, Indian film industry star Kangana Ranaut has come out in support of singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, who has faced criticism and bans for his songs that promote alcohol consumption.

The controversy centers around the Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights, which has issued an advisory against Dosanjh's upcoming concert due to concerns over his lyrics. Ranaut took to social media to express her support for Dosanjh, arguing that the public must also take responsibility for their choices rather than relying solely on the government or artists to regulate consumption of alcohol. She emphasized that artistic expression is not bound by rules, and that the focus should be on individual responsibility rather than censorship.

Ranaut, a Member of Parliament for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), pointed out the contrast between Dosanjh's actions and those of Bollywood stars who endorse alcohol without facing similar repercussions. She questioned why Dosanjh's songs are targeted while the sales of alcohol remain unaffected, with many states in India still allowing the sale of alcohol. Ranaut's stance has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that artistic expression should not be used to promote substance abuse, while others see it as an issue of individual freedom.

The controversy highlights ongoing discussions around the role of censorship and artistic expression in India's multifaceted media landscape. As Ranaut has highlighted, the line between responsible behavior and artistic freedom is often blurred, leaving many questions about who bears the ultimate responsibility for regulating what influences societal norms.

As the debate continues, the spotlight is on Dosanjh, Ranaut, and the broader cultural context of artistic expression in India. The future of performances like Dosanjh's, and the conversations around responsible behavior and artistic freedom, remain uncertain, leaving the public to ponder on what the right balance should be between creative expression and moral responsibility.