New Delhi: Singer-songwriter Badshah issued an apology after his latest song ‘Tateeree’ landed in trouble over objectionable lyrics about women and minors. The 40-year-old rapper and singer shared a video via his Instagram handle on 7 March.
“I am seeing that the lyrics and the visual representation in my new song ‘Tateeree’ have caused a lot of people, especially from Haryana, hurt. Firstly, I want to say that I am from Haryana. Those who know me will vouch for the fact that my entire identity rests on it,” Badshah said.
On 6 March, Haryana Police registered an FIR based on a complaint lodged by a Panchkula resident, alleging the use of objectionable lyrics and visuals in the rapper’s recently released music video. It also issued a Look Out Circular against Badshah to prevent him from leaving the country. The song’s accompanying video depicts young girls wearing school uniforms throwing away their school bags and appearing to run away from studies.
Originally inspired by a popular Haryanvi folk song, the latest version includes lyrics by the rapper, drawing public ire.
One line mentions “Aya Badshah doli chadhane, in sabki ghodi banane” (Badshah has come to get all these girls married and make mares out of them), which prompted the ongoing backlash and FIR.
“The use of words such as ‘Badshala’ in the song has also been found to depict the school environment and education in a misleading and inappropriate manner. Furthermore, objectionable and derogatory expressions towards women and girls have also been identified in the lyrics,” read a police statement.
Badshah added that he only intended to uplift the culture of Haryana and never meant to hurt anyone with the track. “I never had the intention or the aim to speak of any women or children of Haryana in this manner. I am from the hip hop genre, so the lyrics are often added on to show the competition down, for the competitor. This was never meant for the women or the kids.”
The caption to the video mentions that the track has been taken off all platforms. He also evoked his own identity as a “proud Haryanvi”.
“If this has caused hurt to anyone, I would like to express my heartfelt apology. I hope that you will consider me as Haryana’s son, your own son and forgive me,” he said.
The video has since garnered more than 10 million views and over 278,000 comments.
“You’re a good man, my brother. We all know your heart is always in the right place,” commented singer Vishal Dadlani.
Legal troubles
After the song’s release this month, complaints were filed by Panipat-based organisations such as Nari Tu Narayani Utthan Samiti and Shiv Aarti India Foundation demanding action against Badshah and other individuals involved in the creation of ‘Tateeree’.
Sections 3 and 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and Section 296 (obscene acts and songs) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita have been cited against the rapper.
“Taking a strict stance against the spread of objectionable content on social media and in songs, Haryana Police has initiated major action against singer Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, popularly known as Badshah,” says the police statement.
The police also said that notices have been issued to remove the video from all social media platforms.
Also Read: Haryana women’s panel summons rapper Badshah over ‘Tateeree’ song; FIR lodged but doesn’t name him
Action against Badshah
On 6 March, Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda said that the government has taken cognisance of the video.
“This kind of singing, which is degrading Haryana’s culture, is not appropriate. As soon as the matter came to light, the government immediately took a strong stand. The chief minister immediately ordered action against the accused, and an FIR has been filed against him,” Dhanda told ANI.
The Haryana State Commission for Women also issued a summons to the rapper.
“The words used by the singer Badshah were highly offensive and shameful. It is unclear why someone who calls himself a prominent Punjabi rap artist would insult Haryana and Punjab in this manner. Such language is unacceptable,” said Chairperson Renu Bhatia.
The rapper has been asked to appear before the commission on 13 March. Bhatia warned that unless he appears and removes the objectionable lyrics, the commission will protest.
(Edited by Insha Jalil Waziri)