Music producer Pinky Dhaliwal, owner of the Mad4Music label, has been taken into custody by the Punjab Police (Mataur Police Station) following a First Information Report (FIR) filed against him. The arrest came after directives from Raj Lali Gill, Chairperson of the Punjab State Commission for Women, who issued a suo motu notice in response to serious allegations made by Punjabi singer Sunanda Sharma.
Sunanda accused Dhaliwal of exploitation, alleging that he withheld her payments for years, bound her to the company, and kept her under duress.
In a strongly-worded statement which she posted on her official Instagram account, the singer clarified that she is an independent artist and dismissed claims by certain individuals or entities falsely stating they had exclusive rights over her professional engagements.
"These claims are completely false, fraudulent, unauthorised, and legally baseless," Sharma stated. She warned that legal action would be taken against anyone misrepresenting their association with her or attempting to interfere with her professional work.
"I wish to clarify that I am an independent artist and I have not granted any individual or entity exclusive rights over my professional assignments, performances, or collaborations. Any person, company, or organisation engaging with such individuals/entities is doing so at their own risk and peril. I shall not be responsible for any dealings undertaken through unauthorised persons or entities," Sunanda's statement read.
"Further, I request anyone who has been approached by such individuals/entities or has any information regarding such misrepresentation to immediately report the same to me at the below mentioned email address. Legal action will be taken against anyone found misrepresenting their association with me or attempting to interfere with my professional engagements," it further read.
Sunanda also expressed her distress, appealing for justice. She urged the Punjab Chief Minister to protect her rights as a citizen, stating, "As a young artist, I can achieve greater success and bring a good name for this great state of Punjab. Let not a few greedy and lowly people, who have no ethics and no respect for law, come in the way of progress of the state and its people," she penned.
Sunanda is known for her popular Punjabi tracks such as Mummy Nu Pasand, Patake, Jaani Tera Naa, Duji Vaar Pyar, and Morni. Her powerful vocals and charismatic presence have garnered a massive fan following.
