Sidhu seeks to curb 'lewd' lyrics in songs by 'fighting it as

Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu today sought to curb use of 'lewd' lyrics in Punjabi songs by "fighting it as a movement" after some artistes asked the government to keep a strict check on vulgar songs.

The state Cabinet minister also promised to frame a policy on culture and float a proposal for setting up a film city on 100 acres of land to promote both culture and tourism in Punjab.

Sidhu, who holds the portfolios of Local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Archives and Museums held a meeting with noted singers, writers and artistes to seek their inputs for preserving the state's culture and heritage, to connect youth and promote tourism.
 

The participants included noted poet and writer Surjit Patar, singer Jasbir Jassi, Sufi singer Satinder Sartaj, actor Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi, singer Pammi Bai.

They demanded that the state government keeps a check on "vulgar" songs and blamed "lewd" lyrics for "polluting" the minds of Punjabi youth and "disconnecting" them from state's rich and glorious culture.

Asked whether "lewd" lyrics in Punjabi songs can be curbed, Sidhu said, "Absolutely."

"It is not that somebody says it should be banned. Because, Somebody will put (songs with "vulgar" lyrics) on the Internet. We will actually fight this battle as a movement. Look, it is not necessary to frame a law. When a movement is created, it will have a certain impact," he said.

Sidhu said school children should be made aware about the state's rich culture and heritage and this subject could be incorporated in schools.

"If you ask anyone about actor Shah Rukh Khan he will definitely answer it. If you ask anybody about Bhai Mani Singh, he may not know. But he can certainly tell you about singer YoYo Honey Singh," he said.

Sidhu said he will consolidate the suggestions by the artistes and will take it up with Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

"We have sought suggestions in writing also which will be taken to the CM. We will come out with solutions. By the time the first budget of this government is tabled, we will make set the tone for what the government wanted to do." he said.

Sidhu also said forming a 'Gunda Act' to curb piracy would also be his main agenda.

Promising the artistes that a policy on culture would be formed, "I will make sure that the policy (on culture) comes out which is necessary for our state," he said.

Earlier, while giving their inputs, singer Jasbir Jassi said, "Strict action should be taken against those who promote vulgar songs. Such songs pollute the minds of young generation. The government should also keep a check on it."

The artistes also pointed out that several efforts made by previous government for preparing policy on culture had "failed completely".