Punjabi pop star Guru Randhawa is currently navigating a dual storm of public outrage and legal scrutiny. While his music video Azul has drawn widespread criticism for allegedly sexualizing schoolgirls, a separate legal complaint has led to a court summons over contentious lyrics in his track Sirra. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the evolving situation.
“Azul” Backlash: Critics Denounce Objectification of Schoolgirls
Released in early August 2025, the music video Azul features Guru Randhawa as a photographer in a school setting. While the visuals might have intended a stylized fantasy, critics swiftly condemned the depiction of sexualizing a school girl as a romantic interest. Social media users labeled the portrayal problematic, accusing the artist of normalizing predatory overtones in a setting that mimics school environments.
Prominent celebrities also voiced their disapproval—actors such as Sonam Kapoor and Varun Dhawan publicly responded, raising concerns about the video’s implications and message.
Amid the uproar, Randhawa broke his silence with a cryptic Instagram story: a screenshot of Azul‘s trending metrics accompanied by the caption: “When God is with you, you only move forward.” The post, however, made no direct reference to the controversy itself.
“Sirra” Lyrics Under Legal Lens: Court Summons Issued
Adding fuel to the fire, a Ludhiana court has summoned Guru Randhawa—including key streaming platforms—for his track Sirra. The complaint, filed by Rajdeep Singh Mann of Samrala, takes issue with the lyrics:
“We are the sons of Jatts. We got opium as our first food when we were born.”
Mann’s legal team argues that this line promotes drug culture while disrespecting the sacred Sikh tradition of gurti—a symbolic sweetness offered to newborns. The court has scheduled Guru Randhawa’s appearance (in-person or via counsel) under Section 223 of the BNSS for September 2. Streaming services such as Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, Instagram, Spotify India, and Warner Music India have also been named in the complaint.
Notably, Sirra remains public and continues to draw massive engagement, with viewership reportedly exceeding 60 million.
What the Controversies Signal for Guru Randhawa and the Industry
Together, these controversies underscore growing tensions between creative expression and public decency in popular Indian music. Critics argue that the Azul video’s framing contributes to harmful normalization of objectifying narratives—especially dangerous when depictions mimic school dynamics.
The Sirra complaint raises another sensitive issue: respect for cultural and religious sentiments. The reference to giving opium to newborns, despite artistic license, touches a vein of cultural insult and social irresponsibility, prompting the court’s intervention.
What Lies Ahead?
With the legal proceeding scheduled for early September—and public outcry still mounting—Guru Randhawa remains under intense scrutiny from both fans and critics. These developments may prompt broader discussions in the Punjabi and wider Indian music industries about artistic accountability and the responsibility of content in the digital age.
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