MUMBAI: Singer Guru Randhawa is facing a wave of criticism for his latest music video, Azul, which critics say sexualizes schoolgirls and romanticizes an inappropriate teacher-student relationship. The mounting backlash has prompted the singer to restrict comments on his Instagram posts, a move many are linking to the growing controversy.
The music video, released earlier this month, features Randhawa as a photography teacher who appears captivated by a school student, portrayed by actress Anshika Pandey, in a school uniform. The scene shows the actress performing a dance sequence that later shifts to more provocative choreography in casual attire.
Online Critics Allege ‘Predatory Behavior’
The video has triggered a firestorm on social media, with many users accusing it of normalizing predatory behavior and glamorizing an unethical power dynamic. The outrage has been intensified by the actress’s depiction as a schoolgirl, regardless of her actual age.
One social media user wrote, “Media portrayals that trivialize or glamorize the sexualization of children only worsen this issue by reinforcing harmful behaviors and making predatory attitudes seem acceptable.” Another commenter on X stated, “Guru Randhawa’s new music video is disgusting. A grown a** man is instantly attracted to a school girl and this is romanticised??? Since when did we normalise pedo behaviour.”
The singer, who also wrote and composed the song, has not yet issued a public statement to address the concerns. His decision to limit comments on his Instagram account remains his only response to the public outcry.