Ahmedabad- Renowned Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has sparked a nationwide conversation by advocating for a “Dry State” movement in India. During his recent concert in Ahmedabad, Gujarat—a state already declared alcohol-free—Dosanjh urged the authorities to consider declaring Amritsar Sahib as a dry region.
“I want Amritsar Sahib to be announced as a dry state, like Gujarat,” Dosanjh said, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of the city. He also proposed starting a campaign to encourage more states to adopt similar measures and requested the administration to declare a “Dry Day” coinciding with his concerts.
The singer further announced that he will no longer perform songs promoting alcohol if all Indian states adopt prohibition. “I don’t consume alcohol and have never endorsed it,” he clarified, addressing accusations of glamorizing drinking in some of his earlier songs. He criticized Bollywood for its double standards, pointing out how actors frequently promote liquor in advertisements while he is singled out for occasional references in his music.
“Bollywood actors do liquor ads—I don’t,” Dosanjh asserted. He admitted to having a few songs about alcohol but maintained that the issue is more widespread in the entertainment industry. “If all the states in the country shut liquor stores, I’ll stop singing such songs,” he added, making a strong case for societal change.