By Images Staff Mihir Gulati
Actor Mehwish Hayat and Indian rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh are under scrutiny in the UK after a music video featuring children wielding imitation firearms triggered an official complaint to the British government, reported Deadline.
The video in question, for the song 鈥楯att Mehkma鈥, has amassed nearly 40 million views on YouTube since its release last November. While the track continues to enjoy success on YouTube, it has sparked concern among UK officials and social commentators for what critics call a 鈥渄isturbing glorification of violence.鈥
British MP Manuela Perteghella, who represents Stratford-upon-Avon in the West Midlands, has formally raised the issue with the UK Home Office. The four-minute video was reportedly filmed at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire and in Birmingham鈥檚 city centre. It ends with four young boys joining Hayat鈥檚 character and opening fire, using replica automatic weapons and shotguns, on a group of men.
Sources told Deadline that the Home Office is considering issuing exclusion orders against both Hayat and Singh, which would effectively bar them from entering the country. Such bans are typically not made public and the individuals concerned would be notified in writing of the action. No legal proceedings have been announced so far.
鈥淭here are serious concerns about the use of imitation firearms and exposing minors to violent themes,鈥 a source familiar with the matter said.
Hayat, who was featured in Marvel鈥檚 Ms. Marvel series and is known for hit Pakistani films like Load Wedding and Actor in Law, has not commented on the complaint. Singh, one of India鈥檚 most recognisable hip-hop stars and the subject of the Netflix documentary Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, has also remained silent.
The video was directed by Mihir Gulati, with production support from UK-based Blue Bling Production House. However, its founder, Vipulkumar Sharma, clarified that his team only handled logistical aspects of the shoot.
The backlash has not just come from politicians. Shaykh Paul Salahuddin Armstrong, director of the Association of British Muslims and a chaplain at the University of Birmingham, also voiced strong criticism.
鈥淎s someone who has worked with vulnerable youth for nearly two decades, I find this incident profoundly disturbing,鈥 he told the outlet. 鈥淭o see British children brandishing imitation firearms in a stylised gang scene, filmed on our soil and facilitated by UK production companies, is not only a moral failure, but potentially a legal one.
鈥淭his is not art. It is the reckless glorification of violence, dressed up as cultural entertainment,鈥 he added.
The video鈥檚 popularity has also prompted discussions around media regulation. Armstrong called on child protection authorities to investigate, although the UK media regulator Ofcom has limited jurisdiction over online music videos.
In light of the controversy, 鈥楯att Mehkma鈥 is reportedly no longer being considered for future BBC Asian Network playlists. A BBC spokesperson stated that each track is evaluated based on its musical merit and relevance to the station鈥檚 audience.
The UK Home Office, West Midlands Police, and other authorities involved have declined to give a comment to Deadline.