Punjabi singers have highlighted how their shows abroad are met with enthusiasm from local authorities.
Chandigarh: Prominent Punjabi singers, including Dr. Satinder Sartaaj, Diljit Dosanjh, and Karan Aujla, have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the challenges they face while performing in Chandigarh. Citing mismanagement and administrative hurdles, many artists are now reconsidering future performances in the city.
For months, Chandigarh Police and the administration have faced criticism for their handling of live music events. Recently, Diljit Dosanjh criticized the lack of structured government guidelines for hosting shows in India during one of his performances. Similar grievances have been raised by Satinder Sartaaj and his team, who allege police misbehavior during their events.
In one instance, following Karan Aujla’s performance, the Chandigarh administration imposed a fine exceeding Rs 1 crore for advertising the show before securing official permits. According to industry insiders, such practices are indicative of a broader issue, with some officials allegedly demanding large quotas of free passes. Reports claim that up to 5,000 passes were demanded from Dosanjh’s team, and police officers even facilitated unauthorized entry during the event.
Dr. Satinder Sartaaj’s ticketed shows, known for their organized seating arrangements and family-friendly atmosphere, have been particularly challenging. His team highlighted incidents where unauthorized attendees occupied reserved seats, creating chaos. Frustrated by these recurring issues, Sartaaj’s team has decided to avoid Chandigarh for future events, a sentiment echoed by both Dosanjh and Aujla.
Financial Impact and Global Contrast
Punjabi singers have highlighted how their shows abroad are met with enthusiasm from local authorities. Mayors in international cities often request performances, recognizing their economic benefits. Concerts generate tax revenue, boost local employment, and drive business for hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers.
For example, Dosanjh’s recent show in Chandigarh is projected to generate over Rs 2 crore in GST, while Sartaaj’s ticketed performances contributed Rs 3.8 crore in GST last year, as per reports from Book My Show. Despite these contributions, artists often feel undervalued by local authorities, who treat permits as favors rather than procedural approvals.
Call for ‘One-Window’ Policy
To address these issues, Dr. Satinder Sartaaj has called on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to implement a 'one-window' policy. Under this system, artists would submit a single application, and the government would handle all required permits, eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Sartaaj, credited with introducing the concept of ticketed shows in Punjab, emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for performances. This model has made concerts more accessible to families, especially women, shifting Punjabi music from informal settings like weddings and fairs to professional venues.
“Artists deserve an environment where they can perform peacefully without being harassed by administrative hurdles,” Sartaaj’s team said, adding that cooperation from district officials in Punjab contrasts sharply with their experiences in Chandigarh.
