Indian-Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh is once again at the center 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. However, the controversy only gained attention on 1 June, the first day of Pride Month, when several listeners started questioning Diljit for his derogatory remarks.
At the center of the backlash is the use of the word “Chakka”, a term that is often used as a slur against transgender individuals. Critics argue that the lyric not only employs offensive language but also reinforces outdated ideas about masculinity by contrasting strength and bravery with gender-nonconforming identities. 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 marginalize the queer community.
The verses are:
“oh mardaan di gall hundi yakkyaan di nai
Jurrataan di talk hundi chakkyaan di nai”
The translation of the verse in question is: “There are talks of men, not of weaklings. This is the talk of courage, not of ‘chakke’ supposedly used as ‘cowards”.
Weeks after the song’s release, several listeners confessed that they had been listening to the song while being unaware of the lyrics’ meaning. It was only recently, after translating the song, that they discovered its actual message.
Social media reactions:
Actor Manish Poonam criticized Dosanjh’s song.
“Courage and men don’t go along each other. Hoping this move would make you more of a man. Shame,” Poonam said in an 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, another user commented that “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 without thinking about anyone’s sentiments. We are evolving day by day. Happy Pride Month,” another posted.
This article is written by Divya Sharma, a student of Kristu Jayanti Deemed to be University, interning with Deccan Chronicle.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
