A song featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt landed in the middle of a major controversy over allegedly sexually explicit lyrics, drawing sharp criticism from audiences and authorities alike.
Titled Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke, the track from the Kannada film KD: The Devil triggered outrage soon after its release, with listeners objecting to its purportedly vulgar lyrics and visuals.
Fatwa Issued, Centre Bans Song
Amid the uproar, a fatwa has been issued against Nora Fatehi in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, by the Muslim Personal Darul Ifta. The religious body termed the song’s content “objectionable and against Islamic teachings.”
According to media reports, Chief Mufti Maulana Ebrahim Hussain raised concerns over what he described as “explicit and vulgar” visuals, stating that such content is haram and a gunah-e-kabira (grave sin), and that promoting or participating in it goes against religious principles. A fatwa, however, is a non-binding legal opinion in Islam and is not enforceable by the state.
The controversy also reached Parliament, where Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the song has been banned following criticism.
The decision came after concerns were raised by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadouria in the Lok Sabha. Complaints demanding an FIR and removal of the track had already intensified public pressure in the days leading up to the announcement.
Song Removed Online, Makers Face Backlash
Following the row, the Hindi version of Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke has been taken down from YouTube, though versions in Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil remain available. The song, composed by Arjun Janya with original Kannada lyrics by director Prem and vocals by Mangli, had gone viral shortly after release due to its shock value.
The Hindi lyrics were translated by Raqueeb Alam, who has since distanced himself from the controversy. “I have not written these lyrics. They were written by the film’s director Prem in Kannada. When I was asked to write all this, I refused, saying such songs won’t work, and will be censored too. They told me to only literally translate the Kannada version and give it to them… they will set it to the song’s meter,” Alam told HT reportedly.
“At the end they say the entire song is about an alcohol bottle. But before that everything is so dirty. I had refused. Why would I need to write such songs?” he added.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has also demanded an official ban on the track, while sources indicate that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry may send a notice to YouTube, given that the film itself has not yet been released. The pan-India film is scheduled to hit theatres on April 30.
Nora Fatehi Responds, Fresh Version To Be Out Likely
In a first public response to the controversy, Nora Fatehi shared a detailed video on Instagram, stating that she had no role in the Hindi version of the song.
“When I shot this song three years ago, I said yes to it because it was a part of a big film, it was with a big icon, Sanjay Dutt, who would say no to working with him? He’s such an icon. And it was a remake, at least that’s what I thought, of Nayak Nahi Khalnayak Hoon Main, which is also a very iconic song,” she said on a self made video on gram.
She added that the lyrics were explained to her at the time and did not seem inappropriate. However, she acknowledged that she does not understand Kannada and relied on the team’s explanation. She also admitted that upon hearing the Hindi version at the launch, she anticipated controversy.
The song has also drawn criticism from public figures as filmmaker Onir questioned the Censor Board’s priorities, writing, “And the Censor board is busy with The naming of a film #GhooskhorPandat . Strange country we are becoming… opposing Valentines day celebration, interfaith marriage/ celebration while ok with this rubbish.”
BJP MP Ravi Kishan also weighed in, saying, “Vulgarity that harms culture and morals should not be promoted. Filmmakers should note that movies like Dhurandhar have earned thousands of crores without portraying any vulgarity.”
Amid the backlash, Raqueeb Alam revealed that he has been asked to write a “fresh version with clean lyrics,” which the makers are planning to release along with an apology note.