Kamal Ghorui
Badshah is drawing intense online criticism after the lyrics and video of his newest song, ‘Tateeree’, ignited a firestorm on social media. He issued an apology and scrubbed the track from all platforms in response, but the controversy persists. Rapper-singer Santy Sharma has rallied behind him despite the ongoing backlash.
Badshah gets Santy Sharma’s backing
Santy Sharma shared a photo of Badshah on Instagram and voiced his support for the singer. He wrote, “Rap music is a genre where rappers write lines about their competitors as references. A song’s audio can be created long before the video. The video team is separate, and even major artists like Badshah may not even know their video will be like this. A major drawback to Badshah and other artists emerging in India today is the lack of knowledge among listeners in India about this hip-hop art form. If a lyric in a song is incorrect, the lyrics should be updated or changed, but the way Badshah is being judged without understanding the full story is wrong. Sorry, if anyone hurted from this post but this is the reality.”
Badshah’s ‘Tateeree’ lyrics under fire
Released on March 1, Badshah’s ‘Tateeree’ ignited a firestorm of online outrage over its lyrics, slammed as vulgar, obscene, and full of suggestive double entendres. Critics zeroed in on lines such as “Aaya Badshah doli chadhaane, in sabki ghodi banaane,” accusing them of objectifying women and possibly minors. Tensions escalated when the video dropped, showing school-uniformed girls dancing. This prompted backlash for being tasteless, humiliating to women and children, and clashing with Haryana‘s cultural norms.
Badshah hit with a police notice
In the midst of the controversy, Abhay Chaudhary filed a formal complaint at Panchkula’s Cyber Crime Police Station in Haryana. He accused the song and video of using offensive language and imagery that could corrupt impressionable youth. Consequently, a lookout notice was served against Badshah.
Badshah apologizes on Instagram
Badshah responded to the backlash by uploading an Instagram apology video, announcing that Tateeree had been pulled from every social media site. He voiced his regrets over the uproar, saying, “Mera gaana Tateeree release hua hai aur main dekh raha hoon ki uske ek hisse mein mere lyrics aur uske visual representation ke vajah se jo message gaya hai usse kayi logon ko, khaas kar mere Haryana ke apne logon ko, unke sentiments ko, thes pohonchi hai. Sabse pehle main ye kehna chahta hoon ki main khud Haryana se hoon. Jo log mujhe jaante hain, unko pata hai ki meri boli, khan-paan, rehen-sehen, meri pehchaan Haryana se hai. Bohot hi proud Haryanvi hoon (My new song has been released, and I am seeing that the lyrics and the visual representation have caused a lot of people, especially from Haryana, a lot of 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. I am a proud Haryanvi).”
Badshah stays mum post-apology
Since issuing his apology, Badshah has stayed silent and not responded to any online criticisms.
