Singer Guru Randhawa has responded to the intense online backlash surrounding his latest song Fine Shyt, urging critics and trolls to “calm down” while defending the track’s controversial title and lyrics. The song has faced criticism on social media, with some listeners calling it cringeworthy and accusing the singer of promoting misogynistic imagery.
The controversy erupted soon after Fine Shyt was released, with the song and its accompanying visuals quickly becoming a subject of discussion across Instagram, X and Reddit. While Guru’s fans embraced the track and its catchy hook, a section of listeners strongly objected to its language and presentation. Some users described the song as “noise pollution”, while others questioned the choice of lyrics and the way women are portrayed in the music video.
Guru has now addressed the criticism directly. In a response to the backlash, the singer asked people to “calm down”, suggesting that the reaction to the song had become disproportionate. He also described “Fine Shyt” as “just a silly little slang”, indicating that the phrase was not intended to carry the level of seriousness that some critics have attributed to it.
The singer appeared to take the criticism in good humour rather than responding aggressively. In another light-hearted response, he joked that he was “guilty” of making catchy songs, seemingly acknowledging the fact that the track had become impossible to ignore online despite the criticism. He also appeared to enjoy some of the memes and edits generated by the controversy.
However, not everyone has found the song amusing. Critics have questioned both its lyrics and visual treatment, with some social media users arguing that the track relies heavily on sexualised imagery rather than musical substance. Others have described the video as uncomfortable and accused Guru of repeatedly using similar visual themes involving women.
The backlash has also extended to discussions about the broader direction of contemporary Indian pop music. Some listeners have questioned whether provocative lyrics, suggestive choreography and deliberately controversial titles are increasingly being used as shortcuts to generate social media engagement. The debate has been especially intense among younger listeners, many of whom have expressed disappointment with the song despite Guru’s established popularity.
At the same time, the controversy has undeniably helped Fine Shyt attract attention. Clips, memes and reactions to the song have circulated widely online, giving the release considerable visibility. For artists releasing music in the social media era, such controversy can translate into streams and engagement even when the response is overwhelmingly negative.
Guru Randhawa has been one of India’s most successful contemporary Punjabi and pop singers, known for tracks such as Lahore, High Rated Gabru, Suit Suit and Ishare Tere. His music has consistently blended Punjabi pop with mainstream commercial sounds, helping him build a substantial audience in India and overseas.