When Simar Sandhu, a professional dancer from Samrala, stepped onto the stage at Gill Resort on March 31, 2024, no one expected the evening to explode into a chaotic brawl.
The venue, located in the bustling town of Samrala in Ludhiana district, was packed for a lavish wedding when a group of inebriated guests pressed Sandhu to join them onstage. She refused, leading to shouted insults, a liquor‑filled glass hurled at her, and a viral video that lit up Punjab’s social media the next day.
Background: A dancer’s rise and a town’s celebration
Sandhu, who claims she’s performed in California venues, has spent years battling her father’s disapproval of a career on the stage. Her last major booking before the Samrala wedding was a private function in Chandigarh, where she earned praise for a contemporary routine. The Samrala event was booked through a local entertainment agency that partnered with DJ Group Khanna, owned by Laddi Gill, a well‑known DJ in the Ludhiana circuit.
Weddings in Punjab often blend traditional folk music with modern beats, and hiring a professional dance act has become a status symbol. Organizers typically trust the DJ group to handle logistics, sound, and timing, leaving the performer to focus on choreography.
The night the party turned sour
According to eyewitnesses, the performance began on schedule. About ten minutes in, a handful of guests—some visibly drunk—started shouting for Sandhu to “dance with us.” When she politely declined, the tone shifted. One guest allegedly made a lewd comment about her attire, while another demanded she join them on the dance floor.
Sandhu’s response was measured at first, but as the taunts grew louder, she raised her voice to push back. Security tried to usher her offstage, but before she could retreat, an unidentified male swung a glass filled with liquor toward her. The projectile missed by a hair’s breadth; she ducked and the glass shattered on the stage floor.
Video captured on a guest’s phone shows Sandhu and several attendees yelling, the sound of broken glass, and a frantic attempt by staff to calm the crowd. The clip was uploaded on April 1, 2024, and within hours it racked up tens of thousands of views, sparking heated comment sections across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Conflicting narratives: Who’s at fault?
Sandhu gave an interview to an unnamed online portal, saying she was there solely to perform and was subjected to “indecent questions” and “derogatory remarks.” She insisted she was not drinking and that the glass‑throwing was a reckless act by a guest.
In contrast, intoxication became the focal point of the DJ group’s statement. Laddi Gill told Dainik Bhaskar that Sandhu appeared “clearly under the influence” and that her unsteady movements contributed to the tension. Gill’s team filed a formal complaint at the Samrala Police station on April 2, alleging that Sandhu’s alleged drinking provoked the guests.
Both sides have supporters. Some locals argue that the DJ team’s claim is an attempt to shift blame away from their own failure to control the crowd. Others point to the video’s moments where Sandhu seems to sway, suggesting she might indeed have been drinking.
Legal fallout: Arrests and investigations
Police records show that on April 2, officers detained one male suspect believed to be the glass‑thrower. The individual was booked under assault with a dangerous weapon, and a bail hearing is scheduled for next week.
Meanwhile, the complaint lodged by Gill’s team has prompted an internal inquiry into whether the event’s security protocols were breached. Samrala Police spokesperson Harpreet Singh confirmed that the case is being treated as “a matter of public order and safety,” and that statements from both Sandhu and Gill will be recorded.
The investigation also seeks to verify the DJ group’s assertion of Sandhu’s intoxication, which could lead to charges of disorderly conduct if proven.
Social media storm and public opinion
Within 24 hours of the video’s release, hashtags like #SimarSandhu, #SamralaBrawl, and #DJGroupKhanna trended on Twitter India. Commentators split into two camps: those defending the dancer’s right to a safe performance space, and those siding with the DJ group’s claim that a performer should not be under the influence at a public event.
Punjab’s women’s rights activists used the incident to highlight a broader issue—female entertainers often face harassment at private functions. “Whether she was drinking or not, the real problem is that guests felt entitled to dictate what she does on stage,” said activist Ravinder Kaur on a local talk show.
On the flip side, some event planners argued that performers must adhere to professional standards, noting that “if a dancer is unsteady, it can endanger both the audience and staff,” a sentiment echoed by several industry forums.
Broader implications: Safety, gender, and event management
The Samrala episode has reignited debates about security at Indian weddings, especially in Punjab where celebrations can run for days and involve large crowds. Experts suggest that event organizers should hire dedicated crowd‑control teams and set clear codes of conduct for guests.
From a gender perspective, the incident underscores the vulnerability of female performers. Studies by the Indian Council of Social Science Research indicate a rise in complaints of harassment in entertainment venues over the past five years.
Legal scholars also note that the case could set a precedent for how intoxication claims are handled in public performances. If Sandhu is found to have been drinking, it may open doors for stricter licensing requirements for artists under state entertainment regulations.
What’s next? Upcoming court dates and possible outcomes
The arrested guest is expected to appear before the Ludhiana Sessions Court on April 15. Simar Sandhu has hired a local attorney, who plans to file a defamation suit against the DJ group if the intoxication claims are proven false.
Laddi Gill’s team, meanwhile, says they will cooperate fully with investigators and hopes the matter will be resolved quickly so the DJ group can continue its business without reputational damage.
Regardless of the legal outcomes, the Samrala brawl has already left a mark on the regional entertainment scene, prompting many venues to reassess their guest‑management policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this incident affect female performers in Punjab?
The brawl highlights the risk of harassment and the need for stricter safety protocols at weddings and private events. Activists say it may push promoters to provide better protection and clearer conduct rules for guests, reducing the likelihood of similar confrontations.
What legal actions have been taken against the glass‑throwing guest?
The Samrala Police arrested one suspect on April 2, charging him with assault using a dangerous weapon. He is due in Ludhiana Sessions Court on April 15 for a bail hearing.
Why is the DJ group blaming Sandhu for intoxication?
Owner Laddi Gill claims Sandhu’s alleged drinking contributed to the chaos, suggesting that a performer under the influence can’t safely manage crowd interaction. The statement aims to shift responsibility from the event’s security lapses.
What steps are wedding organizers taking after the brawl?
Many planners are revising contracts to include clauses on guest behavior, hiring professional security teams, and insisting on sobriety checks for performers. Some are also investing in training for staff on how to de‑escalate heated situations.
Will this case set new legal precedents for entertainment events?
If authorities conclude that Sandhu was intoxicated, it could lead to stricter licensing requirements for artists, and possibly new regulations on alcohol consumption at public performances across Punjab.