The controversy over the song Sarke Chunar”from the upcoming film KD The Devil erupted after its Hindi version went viral on YouTube for sexually explicit lyrics, prompting outrage on social media and drawing attention in Parliament.
Actor and dancer Nora Fatehi, who features in the video alongside Sanjay Dutt, distanced herself from the backlash, insisting she had flagged the vulgarity of the Hindi translation to the filmmakers.
Fatehi clarified that she had no prior knowledge of the song’s Hindi version, did not perform it, and had not given permission for her image to be used in it.
She also revealed that some promotional images showing her sitting on Dutt’s lap were AI-generated.
Fatehi explained that she had originally shot the song three years ago in Kannada for the Sandalwood industry and believed it was a remake of an earlier track, Layak Nahi Khalnayak Hoon Main.
She relied on the filmmakers to handle translations and initially found nothing inappropriate.
Recognising the controversy, she said she disassociated herself from the project, flagged her concerns to the director, and avoided promoting the Hindi version.
In a video message, Fatehi urged people to stop sharing the song, warning that further circulation would only amplify its platform, and stressed that she was unfairly being targeted despite her efforts to distance herself.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the Censor Board, alleging that the lyrics contained “vulgar, sexually suggestive, and double-meaning” words harmful to children.
However, the Censor Board stated that digital content is outside its jurisdiction. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the Hindi song has been banned, emphasising that freedom of speech comes with societal limits.
The original Kannada version was penned by director Prem, while Raqeeb Alam was credited for the Hindi lyrics, which he later denied writing.
Alam stated he initially refused to translate the song, anticipating it would face censorship.
The song has since been removed from YouTube, and Fatehi expressed gratitude that public backlash prompted the action, reaffirming her commitment to being more cautious with future projects. (PTI)
