“Music and lyrics have immense power. They can uplift, destroy, or shape a generation.”

Recently, well-known Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh performed a concert in Hyderabad. Before the event, he received a notice from the Telangana Government, instructing him to avoid singing specific songs that promote a negative culture. This move to censor an artist sparked public debate and brought into focus a crucial question: How far is too far when it comes to expressing anything and everything through art?

Being an artist is all about self-expression and storytelling without being bound by any kind of restrictions. Music is a powerful medium possessing the power to inspire and uplift, as well as harm. It’s not just a form of art, but something deeper than that which shapes the public’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.

The music industry in India is valued at thousands of crores. In recent years, there have emerged numerous songs containing lyrics that glorify alcohol consumption, drug abuse, violence, and also the objectification of women. Songs especially from the Punjabi, Bhojpuri, and Bollywood music industries have been influential in glamourising depictions of a reckless lifestyle.

Studies have revealed that lyrics which are laced with themes of aggression, substance abuse, and misogyny can deeply impact impressionable minds. This especially affects the adolescents whose identity and values are still under formation. It normalises harmful behaviour by promoting the fact that self-destructive and toxic habits are “cool”. There is also an overall desensitisation that occurs, making these behaviours normal, acceptable or aspirational. Women are depicted in a disrespectful manner in these songs, leading to real-life interactions that reinforce gender stereotypes and perpetuate extremely unsafe environments for them. The focus on intoxication creates an illusion that pushes the youth towards addictions and escapist patterns of behaviour, posing serious mental health challenges. Also, the infusion of curse words and swear words within these songs encourage their usage in day-to-day lives.

There are several drastic consequences that affects the society as a whole. Mirroring of harmful themes promoted in the songs leads to decline in traditional values that once prioritised respect and harmony. It also contributes to discrimination of women and thwarts the efforts made towards women empowerment. There is also an increase in violence and crime as a resort used to solve disputes, encouraged by these lyrics. Speech has been tainted with abusive words that are idealised in the lyrics, thereby gradually eliminating the usage of dignified language.

Artists do have all the right to freely express themselves, but this must be paired with a sense of accountability and responsibility. It does not mean that all kinds of provocative or dark-themed art should be censored; instead, a healthy balance is necessary in order to ensure that it can help contribute in a positive way.

There are several ways to transcend this abuse of creative freedom in the music industry. By creating songs that spread awareness and promote connection rather than a numbing disconnect, is a major way that can transform the music landscape. Schools and organisations can educate young listeners about the impact that this kind of music can have on their mindsets and thereby propagate media literacy. Placing age restrictions across certain platforms and clearly labelling explicit content can make sure that sensitive audiences are not exposed to damaging content. Encouraging artists who advocate for positive social change should come to the forefront. Community initiatives that bring about collaboration amongst artists, psychologists, and community leaders can throw light on dialogues about music’s role in society. Organising events that focus on healing and inspiring music can be a strong antidote to the prevailing stronghold of negative influence. It is also highly essential to create an environment where there is no abuse, no domestic violence, and a culture where people stop using bad words.

Artistic expression is surely invaluable, but entertainment should not be at the expense of societal well-being. Shaping a music culture which not only respects creative freedom but also understands its lasting impact is a need of the hour. Let’s get together as a nation to make art that is a source of hope, inspiration, and positive transformation.

Gaali Free India is a social movement initiated in order to pave way for an India which is free from the grasp of relying on profanity as a form of self-expression. This holds true for any medium of art such as music as well. After all, Swachh music is definitely a building block to Swachh Bharat!

Learn more at www.gaalifreeindia.org and be a part of this crucial endeavour.