Actor Neetu Chandra has registered a public interest litigation (PIL) against rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh on his song ‘Maniac’, alleging that the latter has indulged in the sexualization of women and objectified them. The PIL registered in the Patna High Court demands a ban on the song and other vulgar material. In addition to Honey Singh, the PIL also names lyricist Leo Grewal and Bhojpuri singers Ragini Vishwakarma and Arjun Ajanabi. The case will be heard later this month.
In her PIL, Neetu expressed, “Women should never make the mistake of treating anyone like an object because insulting a woman has always come with painful repercussions.” She contended that the song ‘portrays blatant sexualisation’, in “using Bhojpuri language to glorify vulgarity” and undermines women’s empowerment. She also asserted that such songs lead to a woman-unfriendly atmosphere and stymie the development of society.
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In an interview with India TV, Neetu expressed her concerns, stating, “Vulgar Bhojpuri and Hindi songs are not keeping the girls and women studying in school and college in Bihar, and they have to walk on the road with their heads down.” She thinks that these songs are a hindrance to women’s freedom and security. “If a government can introduce a law to prohibit liquor to save women from inebriated husbands, then cannot it introduce a ban on these obscenities for school-college-going girls and women?” she said, advocating a total ban on such songs in Bihar.
Released on February 22, ‘Maniac’ stars Esha Gupta and has raked up over 7 crore views on YouTube.
