New Delhi: Actor Nora Fatehi has distanced herself from the film KD: The Devil and issued a statement after a major controversy erupted over an objectionable song picturised on her, which was eventually taken off YouTube on Tuesday following backlash over its double-meaning lyrics. In a video message on Instagram? Fatehi on Wednesday said she is “thankful” the music video has been taken down and accused the makers of the film of misleading her about the song’s meaning and translation.
According to Fatehi, she originally shot the song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke years ago in Kannada and was unaware of how it would be adapted in Hindi.
“I shot this song three years ago in Kannada. When I shot this song, I said yes to it because it was part of a big film and also alongside Sanjay Dutt, who would say no to it. It was a remake of what I thought was ‘Nayak Nahi Khalnayak Hoon Main’,” she said in the video, posted on Instagram.
The actor claimed that she didn’t understand Kannada, so she relied on whatever the makers told her.
“Whatever they have done right now, dubbing it in Hindi and the lyrics, they did not take any permission or approval from me. I had no idea about it,” she added.
Written by Raqueeb Alam, a section of the song reads, supposedly about a beer bottle: “Pahle Uthale, Ander Wo Dale, Neeche Ek Boond Na Girae (First, he should pick it up, then put it in and don’t let a drop spill)”.
Fatehi also shared that she had spotted the issues earlier and expressed concerns to the makers that the Hindi version would draw backlash. She said she wasn’t okay with her “unflattering pictures” that were used in the lyrical video at the launch event of the Kannada version. She even accused the makers of using an AI-generated photo of her and Sanjay Dutt.
“I told the director that this was not okay, and I dissociated myself from the project. I did not promote it anywhere. I told the director my image and reputation are on the line,” she added.
In her video message, the actress backed Bollywood for respecting her work and her opinions. However, she mentioned that there are “certain industries” that do not care.
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‘Filmmakers should take accountability’
Fatehi also said filmmakers and producers should take accountability, and urged that actors alone shouldn’t be dragged into controversy, as they wield no power.
“Hold them accountable. I will be more careful and more strict moving forward. Thank you for the backlash,” she added.
Sharing the video on Instagram, Fatehi wrote, “I would hate for anyone to think I endorse this. Thank you for the backlash because of this pressure, the filmmakers have luckily taken it down. I’d also request everyone to stop sharing the song because ur just giving it an unnecessary platform. On a side note, I see some of u guys trying to use this as an opportunity to attack my character..it’s unfortunate. Anyways me and my team will be more careful in the future in such situations. However, I do want to reiterate I had no idea about this Hindi song, I did not perform to it, and there was no permission taken to use it with my image.”
In the last few days, the song has been extensively criticised on social media. A complaint has been filed with the Delhi Police Cyber Cell and, the industry, too, has spoken against it. The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA), Kangana Ranaut, and Armaan Malik have expressed their objection to the lyrics.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)