New Delhi: Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh is once again at the centre of a controversy. This time, for his song, ‘Aroma’. The track is a collaboration with Raj Ranjodh and Tru-Skool, and was released on 23 April. But the song didn’t sit well with the queer community.
On 1 June, the first day of Pride Month, several members of the queer community called out Dosanjh for using “chakka,” a derogatory term for a transgender person.
One particular verse in the song that celebrates traditional notions of masculinity was specifically called out by fans online. Social media users said that it appears to demean and marginalise the queer community.
The translation of the verse in question is: “There are talks of men, not of weaklings. This is the talk of courage and grit, not of ‘chakke’. To clash head-on and enjoy the challenge, that is the game of warriors. Not of weaklings.”
Weeks after the song’s release, several people confessed that they had long been unaware of the lyrics’ meaning. It was only recently, after translating the song, that they discovered its actual message.
Social media reacts
Actor Manish Poonam criticised Dosanjh’s song.
“Courage and men doesn’t go along each other. Hoping this move would make you more of a man. Shame,” Poonam said in an on Instagram story.
Another Instagram user also expressed disappointment with the lyrics.
“He is working in the entertainment industry, which is built, shaped and sustained by countless queer people. I am so confused, why did nobody question it before its release. Did no one stop to think about the message it sends. And I hope there is an explanation to this,” the post read.
Reacting to the video, one user commented, “It’s a shame that they have to be reminded constantly how much influence they have on millions of fans.”
“Amazing, like in a country where people are just fighting to get their mere share of equality, their huge figures like this use words casually. We are evolving day by day. Happy Pride Month,” another posted.
(Edited by Insha Jalil Waziri)