Pune, April 3 Pune district child protection officer Mangesh Jadhav has written to city Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, raising concerns about the songs of rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, which he alleges "glorify alcohol, drugs, and gun culture."
In the letter, Jadhav has requested the police department to ensure that the contents of Singh's performances remain "appropriate, socially responsible, and in conformity with child protection principles and statutory safeguards."
He wrote the letter on Thursday, following a complaint submitted to the Maharashtra Women and Child Development Department by Dr Punditrao Dharenavar from Chandigarh.
"Songs like 'One Bottle Down', 'Char Bottle Vodka', 'Manali Trance', 'This Party Getting Hot', 'Makhana', 'Goliyan', and 'Millionaire' by Honey Singh glorify alcohol, drugs, and gun culture. Minor children (less than 18 years) are allowed at Honey Singh's live concerts. If he sings such songs, children can be negatively impacted on their mental health," the letter from Jadhav to the police commissioner stated.
The letter also added that Singh used "vulgar language" on stage during his show in Mumbai on March 28. This was a reference to Singh's 'My Story' tour event in the city, during which he performed songs such as "Millionaire", "Desi Kalakar", "Mafia Mundeer", and "Dope Shope".
"Therefore, you are advised to ensure that the content of the performance remains appropriate, socially responsible, and in conformity with child protection principles and statutory safeguards," the letter from Jadhav to the police commissioner stated.
Incidentally, the Delhi High Court on Thursday took strong exception to a "vulgar" and "derogatory" song allegedly released by rappers Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah in 2006, stating that the track completely disregarded even the minimum standards of civility and directed its removal from online platforms.