Singers Karan Aujla and Yo Yo Honey Singh have landed in legal trouble after the Punjab State Women’s Commission took note of the language used in their recent songs. The panel says the lyrics are derogatory towards women and promote ‘objectification’.
Commission takes suo motu action
The Chairperson of the Punjab State Women’s Commission, Raj Lali Gill, told ANI on Thursday that the panel had received complaints and also reviewed public reactions about certain lyrics and visuals in the singers’ latest releases. The commission has now written to the state Director General of Police (DGP), asking for immediate action. Gill said the lyrics in the latest releases of Aujla and Honey Singh were allegedly found to be offensive towards women and harmful to societal values.
Chairperson questions singers’ double standards
“The songs that have been used in this have neither been controlled by the language nor has it been thought. When we go on stage, we say to everyone that the biggest role in my life is that of my mother. We respect her a lot. At the same time, you abuse her. So, for whom do you play this double role? To get millions of views? Are you doing this just to earn money? This is having a very big impact on our children. So, I think that the singers should also understand their responsibility. It is not only their responsibility to entertain them,” Gill told ANI.
Demand for apology and change of lyrics
On further action, the Chairperson said she had asked the DGP and other concerned officials to summon the singers and demand an apology.“The action is that I have sent this to BOI (Bureau of Investigation) and DGP and they (Aujla and Honey Singh) should be summoned. And even if I know that they are not in the country at this time, but still I should contact them and get an explanation. They should be summoned to come here. When they give an explanation, apologise, change the words, then we will see what will be the next step,” said Chairperson Raj Lali Gill.
The songs under the scanner
The songs in question include Karan Aujla’s new single, ‘MF Gabhru’, from his album ‘P-Pop Culture’. While the track has gained huge popularity, it has been labelled ‘misogynistic’ and ‘inappropriate’. Similarly, Honey Singh’s track ‘Millionaire’ also allegedly contains objectionable language towards women. The song was released in August 2024 as part of his comeback album ‘Glory’.
About Karan Aujla’s latest album
Aujla’s album ‘P-Pop Culture’ is described as a bold mix of global pop and hard-hitting Punjabi hip-hop. The project is split into two moods, Side A focuses on emotional and melodic Punjabi pop, while Side B dives into gritty, bass-heavy Punjabi hip-hop.
What happens next?
For now, both singers have been summoned. If they are abroad, the commission still plans to reach out and get an explanation. The panel says it will decide the next steps after hearing from them, which could include an apology and changes to the lyrics.
