Under fire over contentious song, rapper Badshah tenders apology

Police have initiated the process to issue a Look Out Circular against rapper-musician Badshah to prevent him from leaving the country, a day after he was booked over alleged objectionable lyrics and visuals in his recently released Haryanvi music video, ‘Tateeree’.
Meanwhile, Badshah uploaded a video on his official Instagram handle, apologising if anyone’s sentiments were hurt by his latest song.
Panchkula police has issued a formal notice directing Badshah to appear before the police immediately. Several police teams have been constituted to ensure his arrest and are conducting continuous raids at various possible locations, the Haryana Police said in a statement on Saturday.
Considering the possibility of the accused attempting to leave the country, the process to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC) against him has been initiated, it said.
Police on Friday registered an FIR under various provisions of law based on a complaint lodged by a Panchkula resident, alleging the use of objectionable lyrics and visuals in Badshah’s recently released music video.
Sections 3 and 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and BNS Section 296 (obscene acts and songs) have been slapped against the rapper.
“Taking a strict stance against the spread of objectionable content on social media and in songs, Haryana Police has initiated major action against singer Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, popularly known as Badshah,” the police statement said.
Additionally, notices have been issued to remove the video from all social media platforms, it added.
In a video message, the singer said, “My new song ‘Tateeree’ has been released. I am seeing that sentiments of many people of Haryana have been hurt because of the portion of lyrics and visual representation in the song. I want to say that I am from Haryana. Those who know me, my language, food and lifestyle, my identity is from Haryana. I am a proud Haryanvi.” “I never intended to say anything objectionable against any woman or child from Haryana, he said. I am from the Hip-hop genre where lyrics often show looking down on competitors. These are never for any woman or child, now will I do this,” he said.
“I have always tried to take Haryanvi language and culture to take new heights. But if anyone one is hurt, I seek apology. I expect that you will forgive me by considering me the son of Haryana,” Badshah said. (PTI)