The trouble around rapper Badshah’s latest song has turned into a full-blown controversy. And the drama now stretches far beyond the music charts.
At the centre of the storm is the music video ‘Tateeree’, which critics say crossed the line with its lyrics and visuals.
When the Haryanvi music video dropped recently, it quickly grabbed attention, but not exactly for the reasons the makers may have hoped.
Soon after its release, viewers began raising objections to certain lyrics and visuals in the video. Many argued that the content insulted women and portrayed girls in a disrespectful manner.
The video reportedly shows minor girls wearing school uniforms and tossing their school bags aside while running away from studies. Police later said that the portrayal sends a misleading message about school life and education.
Officials also pointed to the use of the word “Badshala” in the song, claiming it creates an inappropriate depiction of a school environment. According to the police statement, the lyrics contain expressions that are objectionable and derogatory toward women and girls.
Women’s Commission demands arrest
The controversy escalated sharply on Friday when the Haryana State Commission for Women took strict action.
The commission’s chairperson, Renu Bhatia, had earlier issued a notice asking the rapper to appear before the commission in Panipat by 3 PM on Friday. The notice had originally been issued on March 6.
However, when the rapper did not appear before the panel within the given deadline, the chairperson publicly called for his arrest. Speaking to reporters, Bhatia said she had instructed the Superintendent of Police in Panipat to locate and arrest the rapper from anywhere.
She also said that search orders had been issued and that the authorities should seize his passport so that he cannot leave the country.
According to Bhatia, the summons required the rapper to appear before the commission before March 13 to answer questions about the song, which she claimed insulted “Haryana daughters” through inappropriate language.
Meanwhile, FIRs have already been registered in Panchkula and Jind in connection with the case.
Request for more time rejected
Badshah’s legal team did attempt to intervene. A lawyer representing the rapper appeared in Panipat with an authority letter and asked the commission for additional time.
The lawyer argued that the summons had not been properly received. They insisted that every individual has the legal right to present their side.
However, the commission refused to grant any further date for the appearance.
Chairperson Bhatia also said she had written to the National Commission for Women requesting that no shows featuring Badshah be allowed anywhere in the country until the matter is addressed.
Police tighten the net
The legal pressure has not stopped there.
The Haryana Police confirmed that the Panchkula Police have begun the process of issuing a look-out circular against the rapper. Such a move is meant to prevent him from leaving India while the investigation continues.
Police also issued a formal notice asking him to appear before authorities.
According to officials, multiple police teams have been formed to locate him. These teams are conducting continuous raids at various possible locations in an effort to secure his arrest if required.
Badshah earlier responded with apology
Facing mounting criticism, the rapper eventually addressed the issue publicly.
Badshah posted a video message on his Instagram account apologising to people who felt hurt by the song. In the clip, he said he never intended to offend anyone and confirmed that the track was being taken down.
Following the apology, the song was removed.
But despite the apology and the removal of the video, the legal case has continued to move forward.