Rapper Badshah, has found himself at the centre of a growing controversy following the release of his Haryanvi music video Tateeree.
As criticism mounted, Badshah addressed the issue on social media. In a brief video message, he acknowledged the backlash and wrote, "The song is being taken off from everywhere", suggesting that the track is being removed across platforms amid the ongoing row.
In the video, he clarified that he comes from the hip-hop genre, where lyrics are often competitive and expressive in nature. He emphasised that the song was never intended to target or offend children or women, stating that such an intention would never be his. He also apologised for creating the track and for any hurt caused by it. He also mentioned that he is a Haryanvi and it was never his intention to hurt anyone.
The controversy revolves around allegations that Tateeree features obscene lyrics and objectionable visuals. On Friday, the Haryana Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the cybercrime police station in Panchkula.
The case has been filed under Sections 3 and 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, along with Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with obscene acts and songs. The action followed a complaint by a Panchkula resident who objected to what were described as “objectionable lyrics and scenes” in the video.
The Haryana State Commission for Women has also taken note of the matter. Chairperson Renu Bhatia confirmed that Badshah has been summoned to appear before the commission. She said, “We have summoned Badshah on March 13. He should clarify why such lyrics and scenes were used in the song”.
According to the FIR, the complainant alleged that parts of the video were disrespectful and conveyed an inappropriate message. Particular concern was raised over scenes said to depict girls in school uniforms within a setting resembling a school, described in the complaint as a misrepresentation of the term “pathshala”. The lyrics were also accused of being vulgar and morally inappropriate.
The complainant argued that portraying a space associated with education in such a manner could negatively influence children and young viewers.
A police officer in Panchkula stated, “An FIR has been registered based on the complaint we received, and an investigation is underway”.
Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda has also acknowledged the issue, saying the government is aware of the concerns surrounding the video. Authorities continue to investigate the allegations as the situation unfolds.
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