In his most recent song video, Azul, singer Guru Randhawa has drawn criticism for romanticizing an unsuitable teacher-student relationship and sexualizing schoolgirls. The musician has limited comments on his Instagram posts in response to the scandal, a move that many are attributing to the mounting criticism.
Guru is portrayed in Azul, which was released earlier this month, as a photography instructor who is awaiting a group portrait. Randhawa’s character appears obviously enthralled as actor Anshika Pandey, dressed as a uniformed school student, arrives and performs a dance performance. Later in the video, Anshika may be seen doing daring choreography while dressed casually.
Social media users have expressed alarm over the video, claiming that it normalizes predatory behavior and glamorizes an improper teacher-student relationship. The actress’s portrayal as a schoolgirl has heightened the outcry, even if her true age is still unknown.
“Guru Randhawa’s new song, Azul, features him staring at girls wearing school uniforms. When people started pointing it out on Instagram, he restricted comments,” a social media user wrote.
Another user shared on X, “Media portrayals that trivialize or glamorize the sexualization of children only worsen this issue by reinforcing harmful behaviors and making predatory attitudes seem acceptable. Rather than creating art that risks normalising pedophilia, mainstream voices in music and entertainment should actively challenge these regressive depictions, protect the dignity of children, and inspire healthier cultural narratives.”
“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,” a social media user commented.
Regarding the controversy, Guru Randhawa, who also penned and composed the song with additional lyrics by Gurjit Gill, has not made any public remarks. His choice to restrict Instagram comments, though, might indicate an effort to control the mounting criticism.