Silly slang: Guru Randhawa defends lyrics, portrayal of women in Fine Shyt song

Punjabi singer Guru Randhawa's latest track, Fine Shyt, has sparked widespread online backlash following its release on Thursday. The music video, which features an office setting and includes portrayals of female colleagues, has been criticized for what some describe as misogynistic undertones and for perpetuating stereotypes about workplace dynamics. Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for debate, with users accusing the song of trivializing serious issues and objectifying women in professional environments. The controversy centers on the visual narrative of the video, which depicts Guru Randhawa as a senior professional surrounded by younger employees, particularly women, who appear to engage in choreographed movements and singing around him. While the video begins with a disclaimer stating that all participants are over 18 and that the content is fictional, critics argue that the imagery still reinforces outdated gender norms. Some users have pointed to the title Fine Shyt as particularly offensive, suggesting it reduces complex workplace experiences to crude commentary. On social media, several users expressed their disapproval. One user on X remarked, “This song is misrepresenting life in the corporate world. Unless they’re referring to the work that people do, some of it is ‘shyt,’ but I wouldn’t call it ‘fine’ (sic).” Another user lamented the shift in style, writing, “Society is failing coz in 15 years we went from chammak challo to fine shyt?!! (sic).” Others took aim at the lyrical choice, noting, “So there are at least four languages and the entire vocabulary of these languages available to be used as lyrics… but Guru Randhawa made a song called Fine Shyt.” In response to the growing criticism, Randhawa released a video on Instagram featuring himself driving a Porsche along an empty desert road. In the caption, he wrote, “Guilty as charged of making songs that repeat in your head forever. Low-key loving the edits though. No bad vibes! It’s just a silly little slang. Calm down, calm down, calm down, fam.” The message appears to dismiss the controversy as a minor cultural quirk rather than a serious issue. Earlier in the week, Randhawa had visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar, sharing a photo of himself seated near the holy Amrit Sarovar. Though he did not explicitly reference the controversy, he included a Punjabi quote that translates to: “Whom Waheguru blesses, no storm can ever shake. When Baba Nanak holds someone’s hand, they only keep moving forward.” This statement, paired with his Instagram post, suggests a broader attempt to frame the situation within spiritual resilience. This is not the first instance of Randhawa facing scrutiny over his artistic choices. His earlier hit, Azul, was similarly criticized for its alleged objectification of schoolgirls. The recurring pattern highlights ongoing debates about the role of pop culture in shaping, and sometimes reinforcing, social attitudes toward gender and professionalism. As the conversation continues to unfold, fans and critics alike remain divided. While some defend Randhawa’s right to creative expression, others insist that such content contributes to harmful narratives. The outcome of this discourse will likely depend on how public perception evolves and whether further dialogue emerges between artists, audiences, and cultural commentators. For now, the focus remains on the song itself and the interpretations it invites.