Sarke Chunar row: Lyricist says he initially refused to pen song

Lyricist Raqueeb Alam has distanced himself from the controversy surrounding the sexually explicit Hindi song Sarke Chunar from Sanjay Dutt’s upcoming film KD The Devil.
Alam clarified that he did not write the lyrics, which were originally penned in Kannada by the film’s director Prem. When asked to adapt the song, he refused to create offensive content, instead providing a literal translation of the Kannada version, which the filmmakers set to music.
He expressed dismay over the suggestive content, noting that the song largely revolves around an alcohol bottle but contains sexual innuendo.
The song, featuring Dutt and Nora Fatehi, went viral on YouTube shortly after release but was later removed following backlash.
Other language versions remain online. Alam said the filmmakers plan to release a “clean” version with an apology.
The song sparked widespread criticism from audiences and industry figures. Musicians Armaan Malik and filmmaker Onir condemned the lyrics, calling them vulgar and highlighting the decline in Bollywood’s musical standards.
Social media users demanded the song be banned, calling it “cheap” and “disgusting.”
Alam expressed personal humiliation, noting his past acclaimed work, including Hindi adaptations for Pushpa and the upcoming Peddi. He emphasized that shock value is not creativity and reiterated his refusal to write offensive content.
The controversy has drawn attention from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, with potential action against YouTube since the film has not yet been released.
The Karnataka State Women Commission has urged the CBFC and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to take strict action against the song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from KD: The Devil for its obscene and derogatory portrayal of women.
Citing public complaints, the Commission highlighted that such lyrics violate film certification guidelines, harm women’s safety and social well-being, and called for removal or modification of offensive content before certification. Legal action has also been sought
Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also slammed the song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke, calling it a “new low” in Bollywood and criticizing its rising vulgarity and attention-seeking.
Singer Armaan Malik echoed concerns, saying commercial songwriting has hit a “new low.” Legal action has been sought by advocate Vineet Jindal, who alleged the song’s lyrics, picturization, and dance sequences are obscene, sexually suggestive, and harm public decency. (Agencies)