Punjabi music has become one of the biggest cultural exports from Punjab, reaching audiences across India and around the world. But alongside its popularity, an important concern has repeatedly been raised: the glorification or casual portrayal of drugs such as afeem and other intoxicants in popular music.
Over the years, Punjabi songs by various artists have included references to afeem, drugs, alcohol and other intoxicants. Artists including Karan Aujla and Mankirt Aulakh, among many others, have had songs containing references to such themes. This does not mean that every artist or every song promotes drug use, but the repeated presence of these references has created a wider debate about their possible influence.
When Drugs Become a Symbol of Style
The problem begins when drugs are presented as symbols of status, masculinity, wealth, power or lifestyle.
A young listener may hear a song repeatedly describing afeem or drugs in a glamorous way. Even when the intention is entertainment, repeated exposure can potentially make harmful substances appear normal or fashionable.
Music has enormous cultural influence. Young people often follow their favourite singers, copy their fashion and language, and identify strongly with their music.
That makes the industry’s responsibility particularly important.
We Need to Separate Music From Drug Glorification
Punjabi music does not need drug references to remain successful.
Punjab has an enormous musical heritage covering love, relationships, folk culture, history, farming, friendship, migration, family, ambition and Punjabi identity.
There are countless subjects that can produce powerful songs without presenting drugs as something desirable.
The objective should not be to silence Punjabi artists or restrict creative freedom. Instead, the industry can ask an important question:
Can we make powerful and commercially successful music without making dangerous substances look attractive?
What About Artists Like Karan Aujla and Mankirt Aulakh?
It is important not to label an artist as a drug promoter simply because a song contains a drug-related word.
Lyrics can describe a character, lifestyle, fictional situation or social reality without necessarily encouraging listeners to copy it.
Therefore, criticism should focus on specific lyrics and their overall context, rather than making blanket accusations against individual singers.
At the same time, popular artists have an enormous platform. When millions of people listen to a song, the cultural impact of its messaging deserves serious discussion.
Punjab Has Already Paid a Heavy Price
Drug addiction is not merely a subject for songs or movies. It has affected real families and communities.
For families dealing with addiction, words such as “afeem” and “drugs” are not symbols of glamour. They can represent financial hardship, damaged relationships, illness, crime and, in some cases, loss of life.
That is why the entertainment industry should think carefully about how intoxicants are represented.
The Industry Can Change the Conversation
Punjabi singers and music producers have the ability to make drug-free themes equally powerful.
Imagine songs celebrating:
- Hard work and success
- Punjabi culture and heritage
- Parents and family
- Sports and fitness
- Education
- Entrepreneurship
- Farming
- Friendship
- Love and relationships
- Mental strength and overcoming difficulties
These subjects can inspire young people without normalising harmful substances.
A Message to the Punjabi Music Industry
Punjabi music is powerful enough to influence fashion, language and lifestyle across generations.
With that influence comes responsibility.
We are not asking Punjabi singers to stop making music. We are asking the industry to think about the message behind the music.
If removing words and references that glorify drugs can help even a small number of young listeners avoid experimenting with dangerous substances, that change is worth considering.
Punjabi music has the power to represent Punjab to the world.
Let that representation celebrate Punjabi talent, culture, courage, hard work and dreams—not drug glorification.
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