Indian pop culture is at a crossroads—and it’s time we asked the hard questions. With actress Neetu Chandra recently filing a PIL in the Patna High Court against rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh’s song “Maniac”, the spotlight is once again on what we choose to consume—and celebrate—as entertainment.
The question isn’t just about one song. It’s about the direction in which we’re headed. Is it now “cool” to promote vulgarity if it’s catchy enough?
Neetu Chandra’s legal action raises serious concerns. In her petition, she highlights how Maniac misuses the Bhojpuri language—an already misunderstood and often mocked dialect—and wraps it in layers of hyper-sexualized visuals and crude lyrics.
This isn’t new for Honey Singh. His brand has long leaned on provocative content for popularity. But in Maniac, Chandra argues, it goes a step further—turning a culturally rich language into a tool for objectifying women and glorifying vulgarity.
And the most troubling part? Millions are dancing to it.
Bhojpuri culture is far more than what viral music videos show. From soulful folk songs to powerful storytelling traditions, it represents centuries of heritage. But instead of being respected, it’s being reduced to a caricature for views. When artists use Bhojpuri just to “sound spicy” or to add shock value, it devalues the very culture they’re profiting from. As Neetu Chandra puts it, this song doesn’t just degrade women—it dilutes identity.
This isn’t a random backlash. It’s a woman from Bihar standing up for the culture she belongs to, and for the dignity of women portrayed in the media. Neetu Chandra’s PIL doesn’t just take on Honey Singh—it takes on an entire mindset that normalizes this kind of content. And her question stings: “If alcohol can be banned to protect women from domestic violence, why can’t vulgar songs be?”
Let’s face it—today, virality often outweighs value. If it trends, it wins. But what are we losing in the process? Are we okay with trading decency for danceability? With turning entire languages and communities into punchlines for the sake of a hook?
Being edgy should not come at the cost of culture. Being “cool” should not mean being crass.
We at The Eastern Roots believe art should challenge, uplift, and respect the communities it draws from. Pop music has the power to be a cultural bridge—not a weapon of distortion. Neetu Chandra’s stand reminds us that we can—and should—demand better. Because if vulgarity is the new normal, it’s time we asked ourselves: Are we dancing to the beat of regression?
