Rapper Santy Sharma Defends Badshah Amid ‘Tateeree’ Song Controversy, Says Hip-Hop Culture Is Misunderstood in India (View Post)
Rapper Santy Sharma has defended Badshah following the legal controversy surrounding his track Tateeree, claiming that Indian audiences often misinterpret hip-hop’s creative metaphors as offensive. The song was recently pulled from platforms after facing an FIR and a summons from the Haryana State Commission for Women for its lyrics.
Independent rapper and music producer Santy Sharma has come out in defence of Badshah following the widespread backlash over his latest Haryanvi track, Tateeree. While the song has faced legal hurdles and public criticism for its lyrics and visuals, Sharma argues that the controversy stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of hip-hop culture within the Indian audience. ‘Tateeree’ Music Video Row: Singer Sona Mohapatra Slams Rapper Badshah Over Song (See Post).
The ‘Tateeree’ Controversy Explained
The controversy erupted shortly after the release of Tateeree on March 1, 2026. The track, a collaboration between Badshah and vocalist Simran Jaglan, quickly drew fire from social activists and women's rights groups. Critics pointed to specific lyrics and music video visuals, including scenes featuring girls in school uniforms, as being objectifying and inappropriate for younger audiences.
The situation escalated when the Haryana State Commission for Women issued a formal summons to Badshah, requiring his presence at a hearing in Panipat. Additionally, an FIR was registered by the Haryana Police under sections pertaining to the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. In response to the growing pressure, Badshah issued a public apology, clarifying that he intended to "uplift Haryanvi culture" rather than offend it, and subsequently pulled the song from all major streaming platforms.
Santy Sharma’s Defence of Hip-Hop Culture
Amidst the criticism, Santy Sharma took to social media to support his fellow artist, suggesting that the public is unfairly judging the genre. Sharma stated that the "disrespectful" interpretation of the lyrics misses the creative context of hip-hop, where wordplay and competitive posturing are standard elements.
"India still doesn't understand hip-hop culture," Sharma remarked in a recent social media post. He explained that many of the phrases being labelled as offensive are actually part of a "lyrical battle" or "flexing" common in rap music globally. He argued that the audience often takes metaphors literally, leading to unnecessary outrage.
Santya Sharma Comes Out in Support of Badshah Amid ‘Tateeree’ Controversy
Sharma further emphasised that artists should have the creative freedom to explore different themes without being subjected to legal action every time a lyric is misinterpreted. He concluded by urging listeners to educate themselves on the origins and tropes of the genre before calling for bans or apologies. Badshah Issues Apology for ‘Tateeree’ Song Controversy After Haryana Police File FIR, Singer Calls Himself a Proud Haryanvi (Watch Video).
The Growing Debate Over Artistic Responsibility
The defence from the hip-hop community highlights a deepening divide between traditional cultural values and the evolving landscape of Indian rap. While Santy Sharma maintains that "dissing" and lyrical bravado are standard pillars of the genre, critics like singer Sona Mohapatra have countered that artists must be held to a higher standard of social responsibility.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 13, 2026 11:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).