‘Badshah is being judged…’: Santy Sharma defends rapper amid Tateeree song controversy

Indian rapper and singer Badshah has been facing intense criticism online following the release of his song “Tateeree.” The track sparked widespread debate due to its lyrics and music video, which many social media users described as vulgar and inappropriate.

Amid the growing controversy, rapper Santy Sharma has come forward in support of Badshah, urging people not to judge the artist without fully understanding the context behind the song.

Santy Sharma speaks in support of Badshah

Taking to Instagram, Santy Sharma shared a post defending Badshah and highlighting how rap music as a genre often includes competitive and provocative lyrical expressions.

In his statement, Sharma explained that the audio of a song is often recorded long before the music video is produced, meaning that the visual direction may involve a separate creative team.

He wrote that artists like Badshah may not always have full control over how their songs are visually represented. Sharma also emphasised that many listeners in India may not fully understand the nuances of hip-hop culture, which sometimes leads to misinterpretation of lyrics.

According to Sharma, if a particular lyric is considered problematic, it can always be corrected or modified. However, he added that judging an artist harshly without understanding the creative process is unfair.

What is the Tateeree song controversy?

The controversy began after Badshah released “Tateeree” on March 1, which quickly went viral but also attracted criticism for its double-meaning lyrics and controversial visuals.

Several listeners objected to certain lines in the song, claiming they objectified women and contained suggestive undertones. The criticism intensified when the music video featured girls dancing in school uniforms, which many viewers argued was inappropriate.

Critics also claimed that the visuals and lyrics disrespected women, minors, and cultural sensitivities, particularly in the state of Haryana.

Police complaint and legal developments

The backlash eventually reached legal circles when a complaint was filed at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Panchkula, Haryana.

The complaint was lodged by Abhay Chaudhary, who alleged that the song’s lyrics and visuals were offensive and potentially harmful for young audiences. According to reports, authorities also issued a lookout notice against Badshah following the complaint.

The legal developments further intensified the online debate surrounding the track.

Badshah apologises and removes the song

In response to the controversy, Badshah released a public apology video on Instagram and confirmed that the song had been removed from all streaming and social media platforms.

In his statement, the rapper expressed regret over the unintended impact of the lyrics and visuals.

He acknowledged that some people—especially those from his home state of Haryana—felt hurt by the song. Badshah emphasised his strong connection with Haryana and said he was proud of his cultural roots.

He stated that hurting anyone’s sentiments was never his intention and assured fans that he respects his audience.

Debate over artistic freedom vs responsibility

The Tateeree controversy has sparked a larger discussion online about artistic freedom, responsibility in music, and the influence of entertainment on younger audiences.

While some fans continue to criticise the track for crossing cultural and ethical boundaries, others argue that rap music often uses exaggerated storytelling and provocative language as part of the genre’s creative expression.

With Badshah having already apologised and removed the song, it remains to be seen whether the controversy will fade or continue to generate debate in the coming days.