The never-ending sexism in Punjabi songs

For long the lyrics have been revolved around women seeking car rides and baubles from

their Gucci-clad men.

By Anoushka Sawhney

Mainu kadey ta lai jeya kar tu shopping mall ve

Mere nal diyan sab parlour saj diyan rehndiyan

Haaye highlight karaa de mere kaale waal ve

Ve kitho sajaa tere layi sare suit puraane aa

Mainu lehanga le de mehanga jehya marjaneya

Aine paise dass tu kithe laike jaane ae

In the above lyrics from the song ‘Lehanga’ by Jass Manak, the girl is asking her

boyfriend/husband/ to take her out shopping, get her hair highlighted and gift her an

expensive lehanga.

The song was released in 2019 and is known in every household, especially in North India.

An international location, a rich boy, expensive cars, and a sprawling mansion are the perfect

ingredients for a Punjabi song. That and a little portion of sexism. Not to forget brands like

Gucci and Prada (listen to Prada by Jass Manak).

The songs are a hit during weddings or any odd day and are often foot-tapping. However,

they have been questionable for a few years now.

During my stay in Chandigarh, I remember hearing Jass Manak, Karan Aujla, and B Praak at

every street corner. Someone either had ‘Coka’ by Sukhe and Muzical Doctorz as their

ringtone or ‘Lamberghini’ by The Doorbeen and Ragini on the top of their playlist.

I first heard the songs outside my all-girls college in Chandigarh in 2017, when I saw a row

of cars with boys inside ambling along slowly -- popularly known here as gedi, meaning a

‘leisurely stroll’ -- with the songs playing at full volume.

To my surprise, this was just a regular day for the boys, who, like clockwork, would turn up

at noon every day, since that was when the girls could go out according to college rules.

I had started to enjoy these songs, until one day my friends explained to me the meaning of

the lyrics and my only response was “Why?”

Why are women portrayed as materialistic? Who would ask for a ride like that: -

“Lamberghini chalayi jaane o Saanu vi chutta deh do Kithe kalle-kalle jaayi jaane o (Why

are you driving alone in Lambhergini. Take, me along).” Why these lyrics?

The songs are much more than music. They’re a catalyst for patriarchy and sexism in our

daily lives. According to a report in The Economist in 2018, the Punjabi music industry stood

at Rs. 700 crore and is rapidly growing.

Language and socialisation follow a chain, wherein language influences the way people think

and vice-versa. According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, “Human beings do not live in the

objective world alone, nor alone in the world of social activity as ordinarily understood, but

are very much at the mercy of the particular language which has become the medium of

expression for their society. The fact of the matter is that the 'real world' is to a large extent

unconsciously built upon the language habits of the group.”

The usages of words in the lyrics showcase a view, which is suitable for men.

At the core of these songs are women who are characterized as betrayers, financially

dependent and weak.

In ‘Lahu Di Awaaz’ by Simiran Kaur Dhadli, which was released in September 2021 and has

14 lakh views on YouTube, the girl narrates how “today’s girls are mentally ill” as they take

off their clothes to become “famous”. In the lyrics of another song ‘Chaal’ by Lovie Virk and

Gurlez Akhtar, the girl sings, “Jinna di chaal janniyan vargi raah sadda ki mallange, ni tor

janniyan vargi raah sadda ki mallange (one who walks like a girl, what will they do about

us)”.

I put up an Instagram story wherein I asked a few questions regarding sexism in Punjabi

songs: Have you ever tried to discuss this with your friends/family? Do you think not

listening to those songs would help in any way? Do you continue listening to the songs even

if you know they are sexist?

Out of 77 people who responded, 71 found Punjabi songs sexist. Many believe that not

listening to these songs would affect their demand, which would help to counter their

popularisation. Some also believed that this would have no impact.

The lens with which we view Punjabi songs has changed over the years. It is probably not the

first time you are coming across an article like this. However, the question is, will it be the

last time?