‘I don’t understand how songs with crass lyrics escaped the scissors’

Actor Samiksha Bhatnagar is of the opinion that party songs often disrespect and objectify women with their lyrics that are loaded with sexual innuendos. The Poster Boys (2017) actor also feels that it’s time that the censor board takes notice of such songs.

“Four and five-year-olds are belting out phrases like, ‘Hey, sexy lady’ or the immensely popular Starboy and Despacito tracks, which have filthy lyrics. Since when did this become okay? Sure, you might argue that kids don’t understand half of the things they’re saying. But doesn’t it feel uncomfortable to hear a kindergartner singing or dancing to such lyrics?” she says in the context of reality shows that make children sing or dance to such songs.

The actor further adds, “Crass lyrics with double meaning and peppy music are what these songs are all about — be it the 90s hit Sarkai Lo Khatiya (Raja Babu; 1994), or the controversial Bhaag DK Bose (Delhi Belly; 2011), or the relatively recent Daddy Mummy Hai Nai Ghar Pe (Bhaag Johnny; 2015).

I wonder how these songs escaped the censor board’s scissors.”

The actor feels that such songs pass on the wrong message to the younger generation. “Young souls who enjoy music aren’t learning the right things.

Music plays a huge role in so many people’s lives, so if they hear their favourite artist saying offensive things, they’ll feel it’s okay,” she opines, and cites songs like Laila Teri Le Legi (Shootout at Wadala; 2013) and Baby Marvake Maanegi (2017) as examples.

“As long as songs continue to portray women in such a way, people will continue to disrespect women without thinking about the consequences,” she says.

Samiksha Bhatnagar says that songs with offensive lyrics normalise the demeaning and objectification of women