Actress Nitu Chandra has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Patna High Court against singer and rapper Honey Singh, alleging that his latest song, Maniac, is vulgar, overtly sexualises women, and disrespects the Bhojpuri language.
The PIL, filed against Honey Singh and his collaborators—lyricist Leo Grewal and Bhojpuri singers Ragini Vishwakarma and Arjun Ajanabi—demands amendments to the song’s lyrics, which Chandra claims portray women as mere objects of sexualisation. The case is expected to come up for hearing later this month.
Allegations Against the Song
Nitu Chandra, known for her performances in Bollywood, Bhojpuri, and Maithili films, expressed strong opposition to the song’s portrayal of women. She argued that such lyrics degrade women and negatively impact their confidence.
During an interview with Bihar Tak, she stated, “The song encourages people with an evil eye towards women. It forces women and young girls to walk with their heads down.” She also criticised the use of Bhojpuri in the song, questioning why Singh did not use his native Punjabi instead.
“Why did those lines have to be in Bhojpuri? It’s because we Biharis don’t object. They think they can play with our language without consequences,” she added, lamenting the lack of respect for the Bhojpuri language.
Cultural Impact and Women’s Safety
Chandra also addressed the broader issue of lyrical vulgarity in Bhojpuri songs, acknowledging that while she might not be fully aware of all such songs, the overall trend contributes to a dangerous environment for women.
The PIL has reignited the debate on artistic freedom versus social responsibility in the Indian music industry. This is not the first time Honey Singh has faced legal trouble for his lyrics; he has previously been criticised for songs deemed misogynistic and offensive.
With the case now in court, it remains to be seen whether legal action will lead to changes in the song or further discussions on the representation of women in popular music.
Sources By Agencies
