Is bad language in Bollywood a passing fad?

Is Hindi cinema resorting to expletives in language and lyrics for their shock value, to get close to reality or is it just a passing fad? Recent films have generated a controversy on this new trend in Bollywood.  Puneites react.

Expletives show writers’ inability to produce meaningful songs
I find the whole trend of using expletives in Bollywood music a reflection of the people in the industry and their approach to films as a cultural product. With the new generation of lyricists, the traditional yardsticks of aesthetics in music are being questioned and the overall quality of music has drastically degenerated.
Besides, modes of music consumption have become more personalised now, whereas songs were earlier listened to in a familial set-up. This allows greater freedom to listen to what one wishes to, expletives et al. Today’s songs focus more on rhythm than melody.  I think songs with expletives are more of an excuse for writers’ inability to produce meaningful songs.
— Vishram Dhole, assistant professor, department of communication studies, University of Pune

Youth love such songs as these provide an outlet for their angst
I think people nowadays feel free to use expletives in music, because there is a greater freedom of expression. I don’t mind it very much. These things are just fads. They come and go. The youth is rebellious and needs an outlet. The media and the youngsters love it. Besides, the media is becoming very explosive these days. The media has come of age, and we need to welcome it rather than condemn it. I don’t think we should give it too much attention. A DK Bose can be a DK Bose or it can be something else. If I prohibit my young son from singing it, he will only be more curious to know what the fuss is all about. Speaking of Delhi Belly specifically, I think it worked very well for the film. In fact, I thought it was great music and really enjoyed it.
— Shabnam Sukhdev, film-maker & media artist

Expletives in today’s music reflect social insecurities
I am not against foul language in films. The problem, however, lies with the time, content and structure of the film. If an actor, director or musician chooses to use expletives as part of his film and it is aesthetically done, I think it is okay. However, if the abusive content is out of tune with the set-up, then I think it is just a gimmick. Another factor is the psychological complex of an insecure middle class. The middle class always wishes to fight against the establishment and stand up to it. So, if someone uses abusive language in music and movies, the middle class uses it as a chance to rebel, by taking to it. I think the increasing use of abusive language in music and movies are just a reflection of the insecurity of society and the middle class that finds an outlet in their acceptance.
— Jabbar Patel, film director

Critics need to be receptive to alternate music and influences
I think expletives are mostly used in music for promotional purposes. Apart from that, sometimes it is not possible to express certain things without using slang. These things help to connect with the audience. Abuses in mainstream music create excitement. People love it. They see someone like Aamir Khan, who has had a spotless reputation, promoting bawdy lyrics, and find validation in their usage. Being from this field, I think the music is quite creative. When sex scenes are permissible in films and children can watch porn on the Internet, then this is relatively less harmful. Critics of this phenomenon are narrow-minded and need to be more receptive to alternate music and influences, especially with regard to lyrics, as this is another aspect of the creative spectrum that may not appeal to all, but is no less a creative endeavour.
— Tushar Shelar, media professional

The trend of using expletives in songs is a dangerous one
I think times have changed and people are getting what they are asking for. Films are reflecting the reality these days and the language is also what we use in our real lives. This reflects in the songs as well. Besides, films are a very powerful medium that has a tremendous impact on impressionable minds. Hearing expletives being used in Bollywood songs provide some kind of validation to their use. It makes them think that, if abusive language can be used in movies and songs, it is alright to use it in regular speech as well. This music is also the voice of youth, as it is their chance to rebel. Indian society in itself is quite voyeuristic when it comes to visuals and audio and this provides adequate titillation. I think it is a dangerous trend, and I don’t know when it will stop.
— Pushkar Lele, vocalist

Today’s music fails to appeal to one’s sensitivity or sensibility
I think words are never vulgar. The context that they are used in could be vulgar. That is not to say that songwriters are not good, but the drive behind using expletives in film music these days is odd. The way the content is put forward dissociates it from the context. These are just gimmicks meant exclusively for marketing and selling films and making money. Songs like Ik ladki bheegi bhaagi si, Sar jo tera chakraye and others from the old times were poetic. Life has many colours and language takes on many colours, but when expletives are used in music defying all logic, just for cheap publicity, then songs become vulgar. Today’s music is more sound-oriented and does not appeal to either the sensitivity or the sensibility.
— Sudhir Moghe, lyricist