Panchkula’s air is thick with controversy as Punjabi rapper Badshah faces a summons from the Haryana State Women’s Commission over his latest track ‘Tatihri’. Released on March 1, the song has ignited a firestorm of criticism for its allegedly derogatory lyrics targeting girls and visuals showing schoolgirls in government uniforms dancing to Haryanvi folk beats while tossing away their book-filled bags.
The commission has issued a formal notice to Badshah, demanding a detailed explanation for the song’s content. Objections center on specific words and phrases deemed offensive to Haryana’s daughters, portraying them in a disrespectful light. This isn’t just a murmur of discontent; it’s a full-blown uproar amplified by community leaders and legal complaints.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Akhil Bhartiya Saharan Khap had already penned a letter to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, slamming the track for its vulgar language that they say poisons society and tarnishes the state’s cultural image. Rohtak lawyer Rajnarayan Panghal has escalated matters by filing a complaint with the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Badshah, known for hits like ‘Genda Phool’ and ‘Velvet Flow’, remains silent so far, with no official response from his team. This isn’t his first brush with controversy—past songs have faced plagiarism accusations, including lifted Bengali lines in ‘Genda Phool’ without proper credits. As the rapper prepares to appear before the commission, the music world watches closely. Will this lead to edits, apologies, or a defiant stand? The debate underscores the tightrope artists walk between creativity and cultural sensitivity in India’s diverse landscape.