Rapper Badshah has issued a public apology after an FIR was registered against him over alleged objectionable lyrics and visuals in his recently released Haryanvi song Tateeree.The apology comes even as Haryana Police initiated the process to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) against the rapper to prevent him from leaving the country.
Badshah releases apology video
In a video shared on his Instagram handle, Badshah addressed the backlash and said he never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments.“My new song ‘Tateeree’ has been released. I am seeing that sentiments of many people of Haryana have been hurt because of the portion of lyrics and visual representation in the song,” he said.Emphasising his roots, the rapper added, “I want to say that I am from Haryana. Those who know me — my language, food and lifestyle — my identity is from Haryana. I am a proud Haryanvi.”Badshah further explained that the song’s tone comes from the competitive culture of hip-hop music. “I never intended to say anything objectionable against any woman or child from Haryana. I am from the hip-hop genre where lyrics often show looking down on competitors. These are never for any woman or child.”He concluded the video with an apology, saying, “I have always tried to take Haryanvi language and culture to new heights. But if anyone is hurt, I seek an apology. I expect that you will forgive me by considering me the son of Haryana.”
FIR filed, police begin action
According to Haryana Police, a complaint filed by a Panchkula resident led to the registration of an FIR over alleged objectionable content in the music video.The police said sections 3 and 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 and section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (obscene acts and songs) have been invoked against the singer.Authorities stated that multiple police teams have been formed and raids are being conducted at various locations. A formal notice has also been issued directing the rapper to appear before the police.“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,” the police said in a statement.Considering the possibility that the accused may attempt to leave the country, the process to issue a Look Out Circular has also been initiated.
Objections over visuals involving schoolgirls
Police said the video allegedly depicts minor girls in school uniforms throwing away their bags and appearing to run 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.Authorities have also issued notices seeking the removal of the video from social media platforms.Police further warned that anyone creating or sharing reels or videos using the controversial song could face strict legal action.The matter has also drawn attention from the Haryana State Commission for Women, which has issued a summons to the rapper.Meanwhile, Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda condemned the depiction of schoolgirls in the video, saying the way culture and students were portrayed in the song was unacceptable.
