Sona Mohapatra Criticizes Badshah’s ‘Tateeree,’ Calls for Greater Responsibility in Pop Music
MUMBAI — Singer Sona Mohapatra has criticized rapper Badshah over his latest track “Tateeree,” calling out what she described as recurring misogynistic themes in pop music and urging artists to take greater responsibility for the influence they hold.
Badshah has been facing backlash over the song, and Mohapatra joined the criticism with a strongly worded post on Instagram.
“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,” she wrote.
She also mocked what she described as the lyrical swagger often found in such songs, writing that “‘tu mujhpe marti hai, mujhpe jaan chidakti hai’ type of flights of rubbish swag” reflect the “laziest trope in pop culture” rather than genuine creativity.
Mohapatra said that simply calling oneself a “son of Haryana” does not justify problematic portrayals.
“And just calling yourself a ‘son of Haryana’ with a sad face doesn’t cut it,” she wrote.
She also pointed to broader social issues in the state, adding that cultural influence comes with responsibility.
“Haryana already battles some of the country’s worst gender ratios, violence against women and honour killings. Cultural influence carries responsibility?”
In another part of her post, Mohapatra emphasized the role artists play in shaping public attitudes.
“Artists shape imagination. 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?” she wrote.
She captioned the post with a further criticism: “& now young girls in uniforms as props …Stop with this brain & soul rot. #India deserves better.”
The controversy has also drawn the attention of authorities. Badshah was recently served a notice by the Haryana State Women’s Commission asking him to appear on March 13 to record his statement.
The notice followed a complaint filed by Savita Arya, president of Nari Tu Narayani Sanstha in Panipat, and Shiv Kumar, head of the Shiv Aarti Foundation.
The complaint objected to the lyric “Aaya Badshah doli chaddhane, in sabki ghodi banane,” alleging that the song used offensive language and featured minor girls in school uniforms boarding a Haryana Roadways bus and throwing their school bags.
Badshah responded to the controversy on March 7, saying he is proud of his Haryanavi roots and did not intend to portray any child or woman negatively through the song.
He also said that he comes from the hip-hop genre, where lyrics are often written to challenge or “bring down the opponent.” (Source: IANS)
