Singer Sona Mohapatra slammed rapper Badshah over his controversial track Tateeree, accusing that the music video and lyrics of promotes misogyny and objectifying women. The debate sparked backlash online, and legal action was reportedly initiated over objectionable visuals featuring girls in school uniforms.
Sona Mohapatra calls the song a “lazy pop culture trope”
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Sona Mohapatra posted a strongly worded note criticising Badshah’s portrayal of women in the song.
She wrote, “Not the first time we've seen this template. A man puffing up his chest, flexing masculinity, objectifying women, and projecting himself as some irresistible hero while women exist merely to drool around him.”
Calling the concept unoriginal and problematic, she added, “‘Tu mujhpe marti hai, mujhpe jaan chidakti hai’ type of flights of rubbish swag… This isn't creativity. It's the laziest trope in pop culture.”
Mohapatra also questioned Badshah’s defence of identifying himself as a “son of Haryana,” arguing that artists must be mindful of the social impact of their work.
“Cultural influence carries responsibility. Artists shape imagination. You can challenge misogyny or profit from it. Badshah & this lot, do better,” she wrote.
Badshah apologises after controversy and FIR
The controversy sparked more when authorities registered an FIR for showcasing girls in school uniforms dancing in a Haryana Roadways bus. Responding to Sona Mohapatra's criticism, Badshah posted a video on Instagram to share his sincere apologies regarding the situation.
He said, “Mera kabhi bhi koi aisa iraada nahi tha… agar uss hisse se kisi ko bhi thesh pohochi hai toh main tahey dil se aap sab se shama maangta hoon.”
The rapper also stressed his pride in his roots, stating, “Main khud Haryana se hoon… meri pehchaan Haryana se hain. Bohot hi proud Haryanvi hoon.”
The row around Tateeree highlights the growing scrutiny of pop culture content, with artists increasingly held accountable for messaging in music.
