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Opinion National Interest PoV 50-Word Edit

ThePrint On Camera Videos In Pictures

Society & Culture Around Town Book Excerpts Vigyapanti The Dating Story

More Judiciary Education YourTurn Work With Us Campus Voice

Badshah’s ‘Teteeree’ shows what is wrong with Bollywood’s ‘brand of creativity’

This also tells that everything that rhymes is music, and everyone who can string together catchy lines is an artist. Badshah’s work is a reminder of that uncomfortable truth.

Rappers in New York and Nepal have gone on to have successful careers as politicians. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Balen Shah, who is poised to become the Himalayan nation’s next prime minister, are just one of the many examples of how far the hip-hop genre can go. Indian rappers, however, are still stuck objectifying women and singing problematic lyrics — one of the many things wrong with our “brand of creativity”.

Badshah’s song ‘Teteeree’ is just the latest example. Since its release on 1 March, the track has triggered widespread outrage, particularly in Haryana, with many accusing the rapper of objectifying minors. The now-removed music video showed young girls in school uniforms seemingly running away from education, which sparked strong criticism.

An FIR has been registered, a Look Out Circular has been issued, and the police are itching to arrest the singer.

But this is not at all surprising. Not much time has passed since Guru Randhawa’s ‘Azul’, which is still available on YouTube, landed in hot water for showcasing and sexualising schoolgirls.

Social media outrage and dramatic television debates lead to nothing but views and TRPs. So, let’s stop pretending we actually care or that any actual action will be taken against Badshah.

The Haryana government and police seem to have suddenly woken up because the controversy now involves their state and the depiction of minors. But........

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