Nora Fatehi alleges AI misuse, flags vulgarity; Ashwini Vaishnaw confirms ban on Sarke Chunariya

Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt's latest track, Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from the film KD: The Devil, is grabbing attention for all the wrong reasons. Anyone who has heard the song would have noticed that its lyrics are not only cringe but also vulgar and derogatory.

Social media has slammed the track for its explicit lyrics and cheap dance moves in the name of choreography. Days after the massive backlash, Nora Fatehi's song has been taken down from YouTube.

Actor-dancer Nora Fatehi, who features in the song alongside Sanjay Dutt, has reacted to the controversy. On Wednesday, Nora took to Instagram and shared a video clarification, stating that she was unaware of the vulgar Hindi lyrics. She thanked people for calling out the song and mentioned that she is not a nepo kid, implying she has limited control over certain decisions.

Nora revealed that she had originally shot the song years ago in Kannada and was unaware of how it would later be adapted.

Like any celeb, she was elated to work and share screen space with Sanjay Dutt, she said, "I shot this song three years ago in Kannada. When I agreed to it, it was part of a big film and also alongside Sanjay Dutt, who would say no? It was a remake of what I thought was 'Nayak Nahi Khalnayak Hoon Main.'"

She went on to say that she relied and trusted the filmmakers for translations. "When I was shooting the song, I depended on the filmmakers to translate it for me. Nothing seemed inappropriate or vulgar at the time. Since I don't understand Kannada, I trusted what they told me. I had no idea they would later create a Hindi version with such inappropriate lyrics. They didn't take my approval or permission."

Nora also alleged that the makers used AI-generated images of her and Sanjay Dutt. calling out that she doesn't support AI, she said, "When I attended the launch event, I saw the Kannada version and had a major issue because they hadn't taken my approval for the lyrical version. They used unflattering photos, and anyone who knows me knows I approve all my images. They also created an AI-generated image of me and Sanjay Dutt, which I'm strongly against. I was already quite irritated at the event."

She added, "When they played the Hindi version, I knew it would create problems because I understand Hindi. I told the director this would lead to backlash. I distanced myself from the project; you can see I didn't promote it at all. I even told them that my image and reputation were at stake."

Nora further stated that, as someone without industry backing, she has limited power. "We have little control. In certain industries, they don't listen to or care about my opinion. That's a conversation for another day."

Nora Fatehi's song 'Sarke Chunariya' officially banned, Ashwini Vaishnaw confirms: 'Freedom of speech cannot be absolute'

According to a report by India Today, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to take strict action and ensure the song is removed from all platforms if the allegations are found valid. Officials also indicated that monitoring of obscene or objectionable content will be tightened, and amendments to certification rules may be considered.

Amid reports on Tuesday that the government had directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to take strict action against the song, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the move in the Lok Sabha.

He was responding to a query raised by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadouria.

As per ANI, Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that the song is banned, "The song has already been banned. I would like to say this clearly that we should follow the reasonable restrictions imposed by the creators of the Constitution of India on freedom of speech.

Referring to provisions under Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India, the minister noted that the law allows restrictions on free speech to safeguard public order, decency, morality, and other factors.

He said, "Freedom of speech cannot be absolute. It has to be in the context of society and culture. We must follow the reasonable restrictions imposed by the creators of the Constitution. And in that, very carefully, in the coming time, the way things are spreading rapidly today through digital means, in that, for the protection of the society, especially for the protection of children, for the protection of women, for the protection of the deprived groups of the society, whatever hard actions should be taken, the government is ready to take them."

Who said what: Armaan Malik, Kangana Ranaut, lyricist

Lyricist Raqueeb slams the makers

The lyricist also reacted to the controversy. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Raqueeb said he had warned the makers that the song might not work and could face censorship, but it was released anyway. "When I was asked to write such lyrics, I refused, saying songs like this won't work and could be censored. They asked me to literally translate the Kannada version. Words like 'choosega' and 'chaatega' are already in the original," he said.

He added that only towards the end does the song reveal it is about an alcohol bottle. "Lekin usse pehle sab kuch itna ganda hai. Maine mana kiya tha. Mujhe kya zaroorat hai aise gaane likhne ki?" (I had warned them the song would face backlash.)

Raqueeb further revealed that after the backlash on Monday night, he was asked to write a cleaner version, which he submitted the next morning. The makers were reportedly planning to record and release the revised version along with an apology.

National Human Rights Commission reacts

Amid the growing outrage, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanungo also reacted strongly. Questioning the content, he asked, "Who can sit with their civilised family and watch this?" He added that the NHRC would issue notices to the makers and that action would follow.

Kangana Ranaut slams Bollywood yet again

Kangana Ranaut also slammed Bollywood while speaking to the media outside Parliament. She said the industry has crossed all limits in the name of vulgarity and attention-seeking, adding that stricter regulations are needed. She further stated that such content negatively impacts social and cultural values, making it difficult for families to watch television together.

Singer Armaan Malik also expressed disappointment, writing on X, "This showed up on my timeline, and I had to replay it just to make sure I heard it right. Sad to see commercial songwriting hit a new low."

About the song

In the now-deleted video, the song is set against a dance bar backdrop, and the video shows Nora performing in a ghaghra choli alongside a group of backup dancers, surrounded by a crowd of men. In the video, Nora repeatedly drops her pallu to reveal her cleavage. The overly provocative visuals and lyrics have drawn widespread criticism.

Related