Ending obscenity in Bhojpuri Music

As a proud Bihari, a Hollywood actress and a global inspirational figure, I feel an urgent need to address a critical issue that has long tarnished our cultural heritage and posed a serious threat to women’s dignity and safety. The growing obscenity in Bhojpuri music is not merely a matter of artistic expression; it is a reflection of deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes that devalue women, normalise objectification and perpetuate a culture of disrespect and violence. This degradation of our musical tradition has had far-reaching consequences and we must take decisive action to restore its lost dignity. For generations, Bhojpuri music has been a vibrant medium of cultural expression, deeply rooted in our traditions and values.

It has narrated stories of love, devotion and social issues, resonating with the soul of our people. However, in recent years, this once-respected art form has been reduced to a vehicle for vulgarity and misogyny. The lyrics of many modern Bhojpuri songs objectify women, reduce them to mere objects of desire, and promote harmful stereotypes that erode their self-worth. This rampant objectification not only diminishes women’s confidence but also fosters an environment where gender-based violence is normalised. When music—one of the most powerful tools of influence—portrays women in a degrading manner, it reinforces the notion that they are inferior and undeserving of respect. Beyond its impact on women, the obscenity in Bhojpuri music is also corroding the cultural fabric of Bihar and other Bhojpuri-speaking regions. What was once a genre celebrated for its poetic richness and emotional depth has now become synonymous with crudeness and disrespect. The commercialisation of vulgarity in Bhojpuri songs has not only tarnished the reputation of our music but has also created a rift between generations—alienating those who grew up cherishing its traditional essence.

The urgency of this issue demands a comprehensive approach to restore respectability to Bhojpuri music while simultaneously ensuring women’s dignity and safety. Laws must be enforced to curb the production and dissemination of obscene content in Bhojpuri music. While artistic freedom is important, it should not come at the cost of degrading an entire gender or dismantling cultural values. Stronger regulations should be implemented to hold singers, lyricists, producers, and distributors accountable for their content. The government should establish a monitoring body to review music content before its release, and strict penalties should be imposed on those who promote vulgarity in the name of entertainment. Awareness campaigns should be launched to educate them about their rights and the harmful effects of such content.

This can be achieved by promoting artists who create respectful, meaningful, and uplifting content. Music labels should be encouraged to invest in artists who uphold the integrity of Bhojpuri music. Awards and incentives should be introduced to honour musicians who create songs that celebrate women and cultural values. Schools and cultural institutions should integrate traditional Bhojpuri music into their curriculum to revive its authentic charm. Restoring dignity to Bhojpuri music requires collective action from society. The degradation of Bhojpuri music into a platform for obscenity is an issue that affects not just women but the very soul of our cultural identity.

We must act now to reclaim the dignity of our music, ensure women’s safety, and uphold the values that define us as a society. The fight against obscenity in Bhojpuri music is not about restricting artistic expression but about fostering a culture where art uplifts rather than degrades. It is time for us to unite and take a stand. Let us demand accountability from those who produce and promote obscene content. Let us empower women to challenge these harmful narratives. Let us support artists who honour our traditions and values. Above all, let us work together to build a future where Bhojpuri music is once again a source of pride, inspiration, and cultural enrichment. The time for change is now—let us be the voice that restores honour to Bhojpuri music and creates a world where women are valued, respected, and celebrated. Together, we can bring back the true essence of Bhojpuri music and ensure that it remains a symbol of our rich cultural legacy for generations to come.

(The writer is an actress, producer and an advocate for cultural reforms; views are personal)