If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Guru Randhawa’s latest track. But it hasn’t all been positive. The Punjabi singing sensation, known for his chart-topping hits, has found himself at the center of online criticism for his new song “Azul.” Instead of a direct apology, his response has only fueled more conversation.
The track, released with great anticipation, is facing a wave of mixed reviews. While many fans are grooving to its beat, a significant portion of listeners and critics are calling it out for a specific reason, leading to a classic modern-day celebrity dilemma: how to handle public criticism.
What Is the “Azul” Controversy About?
The criticism for “Azul” isn’t about its musicality or Guru’s vocals. The core of the backlash revolves around the song’s lyrical content. Listeners have taken to platforms like Instagram and YouTube to point out that the lyrics feel repetitive and, in their words, “lack depth.”
Many comments compare “Azul” unfavorably to his previous hits like “Lahore” or “Slowly,” which are praised for their catchy yet more substantial wordplay. The complaint is that the new track relies too heavily on a simple, repeated hook, leaving some fans wanting more from the acclaimed artist.
Guru Randhawa’s Cryptic Clapback
Instead of addressing the criticism head-on, Guru Randhawa chose a more subtle, enigmatic path. He took to his Instagram stories and shared a message in Punjabi that has everyone talking.
The post read: “Jado mein sab nu khush karn lagga… ohdo hi bura waqt shuru hoya” which translates to: “The moment I started trying to please everyone… that’s when the bad times began.”
This cryptic post is widely being interpreted as his indirect response to the “Azul” backlash. It’s a philosophical pushback, suggesting that an artist’s attempt to please every single listener is a futile endeavor that can stifle creativity.
The Artist vs. Critic Dynamic in the Digital Age
This situation highlights a constant tension in the music industry, especially now. Artists have direct access to their audience through social media, and the audience has a direct line right back. This can be a beautiful thing for building community, but it also means criticism is immediate, public, and often relentless.
Guru‘s response taps into a larger debate about artistic freedom. Should artists constantly evolve and experiment, even if it alienates a part of their fanbase? Or do they have a responsibility to deliver the style that first brought them fame?
There’s no easy answer. For every fan asking for “another ‘Lahore’,” there might be an artist feeling boxed in by that very request. As reported by sources like Rolling Stone India, navigating this balance is one of the biggest challenges for modern musicians.
Fan Reactions to His Response
The reaction to his cryptic message has been as divided as the opinions on the song itself.
- Supporters are applauding his stance. They see it as a strong, principled move from an artist who refuses to be swayed by the noise and will create music true to his own vision.
- Detractors feel the response is dismissive of genuine feedback from loyal fans who expect a certain quality. They argue that listening to constructive criticism is a part of any professional’s growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Guru Randhawa’s new song that people are criticizing?
A: The song is titled “Azul.” It’s his latest musical release that has garnered a mixed response from listeners.
Q2: Why are people criticizing Guru Randhawa’s “Azul”?
A: The primary criticism is aimed at the song’s lyrics. Many listeners find them to be overly repetitive and lacking the depth or clever wordplay found in some of his earlier hit songs.
Q3: How did Guru Randhawa respond to the backlash?
A: He responded indirectly by posting a cryptic message on his Instagram story in Punjabi. It roughly translated to: “The moment I started trying to please everyone… that’s when the bad times began.”
Q4: Has Guru Randhawa apologized for the song?
A: No, he has not issued a formal apology. His Instagram post suggests he is standing by his artistic choices and reflecting on the impossibility of pleasing every listener.
Q5: Where can I listen to “Azul” to form my own opinion?
A: Like most modern releases, “Azul” by Guru Randhawa is available on all major music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, and YouTube Music.
The Takeaway: Art is Subjective
The “Azul” controversy is a perfect snapshot of music consumption in 2024. One person’s forgettrack is another’s favorite new jam. Guru Randhawa’s choice to respond with a proverbial shrug rather than a detailed defense is a reminder that artists are people, too, navigating the constant judgment that comes with fame.
Ultimately, the power remains with you, the listener. Music is deeply subjective. The best way to judge a song is not by the comments section, but by your own ears.
What do you think? Have you listened to “Azul”? Does his response change your perspective on the artist? Let us know your thoughts on social media.