Popular music singer and rapper Badshah has found himself in headlines after the release of his recent Haryanvi music video titled ‘Tateeree,’ which quickly drew widespread attention online but also sparked controversy over its lyrics and visuals.
The song is being criticised by several groups and authorities in Haryana, who allege that it contains objectionable and derogatory references to women and girls. The video also came under scrutiny for scenes depicting minor girls in school uniforms throwing away their school bags and running away from studies, which is said to portray education and young girls in an inappropriate and misleading manner.
The backlash soon escalated into a legal and administrative matter, with complaints being filed and authorities taking note of what they described as insulting and inappropriate language targeting “Haryana daughters”, eventually leading to summons and police action against the rapper, said reports.
Meanwhile, the Haryana State Commission for Women has sought the arrest of rapper Badshah after he failed to appear before the panel by the stipulated deadline in connection with his music video Tateeree. Commission chairperson Renu Bhatia had earlier warned of strict action if the rapper did not comply with the summons.
Women’s Commission Calls for Arrest
According to reports, Badshah was directed to appear before the commission by 3 pm on Friday following a notice issued on March 6, asking him to present himself before the panel in Panipat.
Speaking to reporters, Commission chairperson Renu Bhatia said she had directed authorities to take action against the singer and asked that his passport be seized to prevent him from leaving the country.
“I have ordered SP Panipat to get Badshah arrested from anywhere, any place and issue search orders,” she said. Bhatia added that the rapper had been asked to appear before the commission before March 13 over the song “in which Haryana daughters have been insulted with inappropriate words and language.”
According to Bhatia, lawyers representing Badshah had requested another date to appear before the commission, but the request was not accepted. She further said she had written to the National Commission for Women requesting that no shows by the rapper be held in the country. She also said FIRs have been registered in Panchkula and Jind in connection with the matter.
A lawyer representing Badshah told reporters in Panipat that they had submitted an authority letter from the singer and sought additional time because the summons had not been received. “Under the law, everyone has the right to present their side. But here that is not being given,” the lawyer claimed reportedly.
Apology and Removal of Song
After the release of Tateeree, Badshah faced criticism over its lyrics and visuals. The rapper later posted a video on Instagram apologising for hurting sentiments and said the song would be removed.
Meanwhile, police action has also intensified. The Panchkula police recently initiated the process to issue a look-out circular against the rapper to prevent him from leaving the country and served him a notice to appear before investigators.
The Haryana Police said several police teams have been formed to ensure his arrest and are conducting raids at possible locations. In a statement, the police said the music video depicts minor girls wearing school uniforms throwing away their school bags and running away from studies.
“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,” the statement said.