Actress Kangana Ranaut recently spoke about the alarming issue of drug, alcohol, and violence content in music. Speaking at the Agenda Aaj Tak 2024, she highlighted that it is not just the government’s job, but the society also should take responsibility for it. She did mention that the artists are also free to express themselves, but the public needs to be answerable for it as well.
Kangana on the Issue
Responding to a question whether she would take it up in Parliament, Kangana said:
“Artistic expression is not dependent on anything. Himachal folk music has so many such songs. In art, it’s the emotions that matter. To each their own. That being said, when it comes to habits like substance abuse, it is not just the government’s responsibility but also that of the general public.”
Her comments resonate with much of the debate going on currently regarding balancing artistic freedom with societal influence, especially in the context of music glorifying substance use.
Diljit Dosanjh and Alcohol-Themed Lyrics
This topic recently gained momentum with Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, who was put under the scanner during his Dil-Luminati Tour. During his Hyderabad concert, he was asked to not perform songs that refer to alcohol. Diljit, a known teetotaler, responded thoughtfully, suggesting he would stop singing such tracks if alcohol sales were banned nationwide.
To obey a Telangana government notice, Diljit, changed the lyrics of popular tracks, including Lemonade and 5 Taara, wherein, for instance, he replaces the word daaru (alcohol) or theka (a shop dealing with liquors) with Coke or hotel; in Ahmedabad he does not sing songs like daaru on which Diljit was supposed to go tomorrow, and the next dates for the tour are for Chandigarh on 14th December and the end date of the India leg has been scheduled for Guwahati on 29 December.
Kangana’s Upcoming Film: Emergency
Meanwhile, Kangana is gearing up for the release of her much-awaited film Emergency, which will be hitting theaters on January 17, 2024. Directed and produced by Kangana herself, the biographical political thriller is based on the much-controversial 21-month Emergency period declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1975 to 1977.
The movie promises a gripping depiction of one of India’s most politically turbulent eras and boasts an ensemble cast that includes Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhry, and Milind Soman. Produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, Emergency promises to provide a deep exploration of power, politics, and history.
Conclusion
Kangana Ranaut’s remarks on socially contentious themes in music underscore the need for collective accountability while maintaining artistic freedom. Alongside the ongoing debates in the music world, Kangana’s upcoming cinematic exploration of India’s political history in Emergency reflects her continued engagement with pressing societal issues.
