Singer Sona Mohapatra has strongly criticised rapper Badshah following the controversy around his Haryanvi track “Tateeree“. The song recently sparked outrage on social media over allegations of vulgar lyrics and the objectification of women.
The backlash intensified after complaints were filed about the song’s visuals and lyrics, which critics claimed portrayed women and minors in an inappropriate manner. Soon after, an FIR was reportedly registered at the Sector 20 police station in Panchkula. Residents raised concerns that the content of the track could have a negative influence on young audiences and social values.
Although Badshah later issued a public apology and said he never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments, the criticism has not died down. Now, Sona Mohapatra has openly called out the rapper and questioned the messaging in his music.
Sona Mohapatra Slams Badshah Over ‘Objectifying’ Lyrics
Sona Mohapatra shared a strongly worded message on her Instagram story, criticising what she described as a repeated and problematic pattern in pop culture. 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. Tu mujhpe marti hai, mujhpe jaan chidakti hai’ type of flights of rubbish swag.”
According to Sona, such portrayals are not creative but reflect what she called one of the most overused and lazy stereotypes in entertainment.
She further took a dig at Badshah’s apology video, in which he referred to himself as the son of Haryana. Responding to that statement, she wrote, “And just calling yourself a son of Haryana with a sad face doesn’t cut it.”
Sona pointed out that the state of Haryana has long struggled with serious issues such as gender imbalance and violence against women. She said that cultural content should be more responsible given these challenges. She added, “You can challenge misogyny or profit from it. BADSHAH & this lot, do better. & those of you fashion victim wannabes paying for this shit.. grow a brain or a soul?”
What Sparked The Tateeree Controversy?
The controversy began earlier this month after the release of Badshah’s Haryanvi-inspired song Tateeree. Soon after the music video dropped online, many viewers criticised it for allegedly promoting vulgarity and objectifying women.
Particular attention was drawn to one of the lyrics – “Aaya Badshah doli chadhane, in sabko ghodi banane”. Critics claimed that the line was inappropriate and could be interpreted as disrespectful towards women.
In addition to the lyrics, the visuals of the video also sparked outrage. The music video reportedly featured girls dressed in school-style uniforms performing suggestive dance moves in what appeared to be a classroom-like setting. Several critics argued that this depiction misrepresented educational spaces and could negatively influence younger viewers.
The controversy quickly reached legal authorities. The Haryana State Commission for Women reportedly took suo motu cognisance of the issue and summoned Badshah for a hearing scheduled on March 13, 2026.
Meanwhile, an FIR was filed at the Cyber Crime police station in Panchkula under Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to obscene acts, as well as under provisions of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.
Facing growing backlash, Badshah issued a public apology on Instagram on March 7. In the video, he said he never intended to hurt the sentiments of the people of Haryana. Calling himself the “son of Haryana”, the rapper explained that the lyrics were written in the spirit of hip-hop competition rather than to demean women or minors.
He also confirmed that the song and its visuals would be removed from digital and social media platforms in order to address the concerns raised by viewers.
