I would never objectify women in my songs, says Badshah

Srinagar: Rapper Badshah today said that he would never objectify women in his songs and believes that censorship is subjective.

The 32-year-old rapper said while he has often taken some musical liberties, he has never hurt anybody's sentiments.

"Censorship is subjective as some people may like something which the others may not or some may feel that something is wrong, but I will not feel like that. Having said that, I am from a family where I have a mother, a sister, a wife and a daughter. I would never ever dare to objectify anyone who has fed me, protected me or loved me," Badshah told reporters at the launch of popular radio channel Mirchi 98.3 FM here.

"I have never deliberately tried to hurt someone's sentiments. Yes, I have taken some musical liberties and used some banters which my friends also use. I feel that I am sort of a family rapper," he said.

Amidst a raging debate over nepotism in Bollywood, Badshah termed it as futile, saying talent would always emerge in any case.

"I think the debate around nepotism is futile because I am an outsider and I know that there is no compensation of talent. I have been offered films because of my work and my talent. I have no relation with any Johar or Chopra.

"So, I think the talent, wherever it is be it -- Kashmir or Kanyakumari or Delhi -- will emerge. Yes, it may take some more time, but it will emerge," the rapper said.

Talking about Kashmir, Badshah said while no place is 100 per cent safe, the valley needs to have a good public relations.

"Kashmir needs a good PR. Kashmir is beautiful, the people are sweet and the atmosphere is great. People say there is violence here, (but) please go to UP and Bihar, there is violence as well," he said.

"In fact, even Delhi is not safe. So, the uncertainty is everywhere. No place is 100 per cent safe. So, I think Kashmir needs a better PR and image-building and the youth should work on that," he added.

Badshah said culture and people-to-people exchange could help in bringing down the negative perception about the state.

"I think cultural and people exchange will help Kashmir. It has helped the world over. I will be happy to have a cultural programme here for youth every year where they will be sent to different parts of the country and the world," he said.

Asked about the rap culture in Kashmir, the rapper expressed hope that the youth in the valley will use the genre to spread their views.

"Rap is a voice which can be used anyway. I was born in Delhi but grew up in Chandigarh, so I write about the machismo of Punjab because it was around me. In Kashmir the situation is something else. There are hartals and protests and those who have been born here are the representation of this society.

"But I am happy that there is rap culture in Kashmir now. I feel the youth of Kashmir did not have a voice and when someone who feels oppressed gets a voice, then a revolution comes. I will have to see how the youth here use this genre for their betterment and the betterment of their society because people here are good here but infrastructure is needed," Badshah said.

On the occasion, Nitin Singh, regional director - north and east - Radio Mirchi, said the station would be different from others.

"The idea is to make everyday life more interesting. We promise to keep listeners hooked by taking up discussions on topics that are relevant to the youth of today. We are happy to be here and hope the people of the valley like the content that we have created especially for them," he said. PTI SSB RB RB

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