Kunika Sadanand on Concert Row and Diljit Dosanjh Cancellation

At the PTC Punjabi Film Awards in Mumbai on Thursday, actress Kunika Sadanand spoke to IANS about the Punjabi film fraternity and recent events in the music world, including a controversy involving Daler Mehndi and the cancellation of a Diljit Dosanjh concert.

She described the Punjabi film industry as a vital creative space where films are built around excellent stories and intriguing themes. Attending the PTC Awards for the first time, she said she was delighted to be present, adding that the event may have been held in Mumbai for the first time as well.

Kunika Sadanand observed that budgets for Punjabi films are rising. She said filmmakers are shooting in places such as Canada and London and across other parts of the world. She offered her best wishes for the industry's future.

On the recent incident involving Daler Mehndi, she said she had long believed that most politicians lack decency. She reacted to reports that the singer was accused of performing while drunk at a concert.

She said Daler Mehndi was spoken to in an extremely rude way during the event. Highlighting his career, reputation, and voice, she said that these politicians could not match his standing even in the smallest measure. While she acknowledged that he might have been unwell and that his age could be a factor, she maintained that no one has the right to disgrace someone.

She also noted that she had heard Daler Mehndi does not drink alcohol at all, and said the claim that he was intoxicated and slurring his speech was not a proper way to treat an artist.

The actress responded to the allegation that he took 35 lakh rupees but still did not sing properly by saying that paying someone does not amount to owning them. She said that although money was paid, rudeness is never acceptable.

Turning to the cancellation of Diljit Dosanjh's concert in Delhi, which was scheduled for Thursday, she said it was called off due to security concerns. She said India faces security challenges, pointing out that celebrities are frequently targeted by gunfire or attempts on their lives. If the government cancelled the concert on security grounds, she said, it reflects a failure in law and order.