Rapper Badshah on Tuesday apologized to the National Commission for Women (NCW) over the controversial video of his song “Tateeree” which depicts schoolgirls. In settling the matter before the committee, he also pledged two specific tasks: sponsoring the education of 50 girls from economically weaker sections, and a song on women empowerment within four months.
Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, popularly known as Badshah, appeared before the committee in connection with a court case filed last month after the release of the song ‘Tateeree’.
Directors Gopan Sandhu and Mahavir Singh and producer Hiten were also present at the hearing.
All those present offered unconditional written apologies before the committee and expressed their regret for the harm caused to the community, PTI reported on Tuesday.
What happened at the hearing?
The hearing was chaired by National Council of Women president Vijaya Rahatkar, who said the song’s lyrics and presentation harmed women’s dignity and modesty. Rahatkar reportedly directed those concerned to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
“I will work for the upliftment of women and society. I will present a positive song on women empowerment within four months and will not participate in any such activity in the future,” Badshah told the committee.
Record the past
Badshah’s past caught up with him recently when the Delhi High Court, on April 2, ordered the removal of ‘Volume 1’, an early song by him and Honey Singh from the Mafia Mundeer days, from all platforms including YouTube, Spotify and Instagram.
Justice Puruchindra Kumar Kaurav, who personally heard the song, described the lyrics as “vulgar, obscene and insulting towards women”, saying the content “shocked the conscience of the court”.
Separately, Haryana Police removed 857 links – including 154 YouTube videos and 703 Instagram videos – of the song “Tateeree”, after an FIR was filed in Panchkula over objectionable lyrics and images. Badshah has also apologized publicly.
