Critics argue that framing a schoolgirl as the object of affection for a teacher crosses a dangerous line, especially in a country where conversations about power dynamics and gender safety are more urgent than ever.
Image Source: Instagram/@gururandhawa
The internet never forgets, and sometimes it refuses to forgive. This week, Punjabi pop star Guru Randhawa is in the middle of a storm after releasing his latest track ‘Azul’.
The song, which is currently trending at number nine on YouTube Music, begins with a disclaimer, “Warning. The video is highly addictive.” But for many viewers, the real warning should have been about the storyline that plays out on screen.
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Instead of applause, the music video has sparked criticism for its troubling theme. Randhawa plays a photography teacher who appears to be attracted to a schoolgirl.
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Guru Randhawa casually promoting pedophilia in 2025 pic.x.com/lmEzuLRkmP
— awkwardgoat3 (@DivijaBhasin) August 23, 2025
is guru randhawa a pedophile of some sort? a grown ass man being in love with a school going girl pic.x.com/CaCBpMX62L
— अ (@alberucaIe) August 21, 2025
Guru Randhawa’s new music video is disgusting. a grown ass man is instantly attracted to a school girl and this is romanticised??? Since when did we normalise pedo behaviour
— chicken pasta lover (@khushiisukhija) August 22, 2025
guru randhawa’s recent mv is legit promoting pedophilia and no one’s batting an eye
— aish ‧₊˚ ⋅♡ (@mannkidori) August 23, 2025
The video opens in a school setting. A teenage girl is seen blowing bubblegum while waiting for a group photograph. Soon after, Guru Randhawa enters the frame as a teacher. The plot shows him watching her intently as she begins to dance.
The visuals then shift, showing the girl in casual clothes performing sultry moves while Randhawa’s character continues to ‘admire’ her.
Critics argue that framing a schoolgirl as the object of affection for a teacher crosses a dangerous line, especially in a country where conversations about consent, power dynamics, and gender safety are more urgent than ever.
The backlash is about what the music video chooses to portray. Social media users and cultural commentators have pointed out that presenting a schoolgirl as a romantic interest not only normalises problematic behaviour but also risks trivialising real-life issues faced by students.
Written and composed by Guru Randhawa himself, with additional contributions from Gurjit Gill, ‘Azul’ blends Punjabi lyrics with international party vibes. References to expensive alcohol brands like Don Julio, Hennessy, and Ciroc run throughout the verses.
Lines comparing beauty to whiskey and champagne dominate the lyrics.
As of now, Guru Randhawa has not made a public statement addressing the criticism. Also, he has restricted comments on his Instagram posts.
This isn’t the first time Indian music videos have been called out for questionable representation. From objectification of women to glamorising toxic behaviour, the industry has often been accused of pushing the beats while ignoring the messages being delivered visually.
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