Badshah Apologizes After Song Controversy
Rapper Badshah issued a public apology after an FIR was filed against him over his latest song "Tateeree." The track drew criticism for content deemed inappropriate, prompting the Bollywood music star to express regret for any offense caused. This highlights growing sensitivity in Bollywood music where artists face pressure to balance creative expression with social responsibility.
The controversy escalated beyond online criticism, with an FIR filed against Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, in Panchkula, Haryana. The complaint was lodged by social activist Abhay Chaudhary, who alleged the song's lyrics and visuals were obscene and disrespectful towards women. The music video for "Tateeree" drew specific condemnation for its portrayal of girls in school uniforms in a setting dubbed "Badshala," a play on the word "pathshala" (school). Critics, including Haryana's Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, found this depiction of students and the school environment to be inappropriate and condemnable. Legal action has intensified, with Haryana Police initiating a process to issue a Look Out Circular to prevent Badshah from leaving the country. The FIR includes sections of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for obscene acts and songs. The Haryana State Commission for Women has also taken suo motu cognizance of the matter, summoning the rapper to appear on March 13, 2026. The commission's chairperson, Renu Bhatia, stated they would investigate why such lyrics and scenes were used in the song. In his apology, Badshah explained that in the hip-hop genre, lyrics are often aimed at competitors and were not intended to target women or children. Emphasizing his Haryanvi roots, he asked to be seen as a "son of Haryana" and be forgiven for unintentionally hurting sentiments. Following the severe backlash, the song has been removed from YouTube and other digital platforms. Police have also warned that individuals creating or sharing content using the controversial song could face legal action. Complaints from various activists and organizations, including Nari Tu Narayani Utthan Samiti and Shiv Aarti India Foundation, highlighted that the song's lyrics contained sexualized expressions and vocabulary they deemed inappropriate. Another complaint filed with the Punjab Police also alleged that the song glorifies drug use with a reference to cocaine.
