The controversy centres on a song that uses imagery and lyrics referring to “fake babas” and features a photograph resembling Baba Bageshwar, Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, without naming him. A scene from the music video showing a saffron-clad figure being kicked further intensified outrage among religious groups.
Going live on social media, Dhanda said the disputed line was being revised to defuse tensions. “My thoughts remain the same, but they will be expressed in a better way,” he said, adding that the updated version had been submitted and would be released within 24 to 48 hours. He also expressed distress over divisions within society and appealed for constructive dialogue.
Without directly naming Pandit Shastri, the rapper maintained that his work targets hypocrisy and social wrongdoing, not faith itself. He urged young people to focus on education and skill-building rather than engaging in conflicts driven by caste or religion.
The album has drawn mixed reactions. While Sadhvi Deva Thakur released a video warning against insulting saints and religious traditions, several artists and listeners defended Dhanda’s right to free expression, calling the song a critique of social abuse of religious authority.
Dhanda cited past incidents from his village to explain the inspiration behind his lyrics, including allegations of misconduct by individuals misusing religious positions. He said such experiences shaped his writing, which he described as a reflection of harsh social realities.
Vomit on Paper has recorded more than 2.7 million views within four days of release. However, the controversy has renewed scrutiny of Dhanda’s work, especially in light of earlier bans imposed by the Haryana government on some of his songs over allegations of promoting gun culture.
As the revised version awaits release, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any escalation of tensions.
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