Actor-dancer Nora Fatehi on Wednesday addressed the controversy surrounding her song Sarke Chunar from the upcoming film KD – The Devil. She said she doesn’t understand the Kannada language, in which the original song, Sarse Ninna, is composed, and added that she was unaware of the song’s Hindi version, Sarke Chunar.
Nora, however, said that the moment she subsequently heard the song in its Hindi version – a language she understands – she told the director that the track would attract backlash.
The song recently came under fire for its vulgar lyrics and choreography, with the Hindi version drawing sharp criticism online. The issue escalated to the point where the Information and Broadcasting Ministry assured in Parliament that a ban had been imposed on the track. Following the outrage, the makers removed the Hindi version from YouTube.
‘Would hate for anyone to think I endorse this’
Nora shared a video message on Wednesday, responding to the controversy. In the caption, she distanced herself from the disputed version of the song.
“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,” she wrote, while also urging fans to stop circulating the track online.
“I’d also request everyone to stop sharing the song because you’re just giving it a platform unnecessarily,” she added.
Here’s the video Nora shared:
At the same time, the actor called out personal attacks directed at her amid the controversy. “On a side note, I see some of you guys trying to use this as an opportunity to attack my character. It’s unfortunate,” she said.
‘I shot the song three years ago in Kannada’
In a video shared on Instagram, Nora revealed that she filmed the song three years ago in Kannada and had agreed to be part of it as it featured Sanjay Dutt and was part of a major project.
“I shot this song three years ago in a language called Kannada. I said yes because it was part of a big film. It was with a big icon, Sanjay Dutt—who would say no to working with him?” she said.
She added that she relied on the filmmakers for translations at the time. “Nothing seemed inappropriate or vulgar when they were translating the song to me I don’t understand Kannada, so I was relying on what they told me.”
‘No approval, no permission’
The actor strongly distanced herself from the Hindi version, claiming she was neither informed nor consulted.
“Whatever they’ve done right now—creating a Hindi version and dubbing the voice with those lyrics, which are very inappropriate—I had no idea about that. They didn’t take any approvals or permission from me,” she said.
Nora also raised concerns about how the song was presented visually. She alleged that the makers released a lyrical video using “unflattering photos” without her consent and even created an AI-generated image of her and Dutt.
“If anyone knows me, they know I have to approve all my photos they put this out without my approval,” she said, adding that she was “already feeling irritated” upon seeing the material at the launch event.
‘I knew there would be backlash’
Recalling the moment she saw the Hindi version, Nora said she immediately flagged concerns.
“When they played the Hindi version, I knew it was a wrap. I knew we were going to have issues because at least I understand Hindi. I told the director, this is not going to be OK, this will get a lot of backlash,” she said.
She further claimed that she had distanced herself from the project and chose not to promote it. “My image and reputation are on the line,” she added.
Nora also used the opportunity to call out what she described as misplaced criticism directed solely at performers. Despite the controversy, Nora acknowledged that public pressure led to corrective action.
Backlash and industry reactions
The controversy began after the makers released the song in multiple languages, including in Hindi as Sarke Chunar. While the Kannada version did not initially draw the same level of scrutiny, the Hindi version was criticised for its suggestive lyrics and visuals.
Several celebrities and organisations, including Armaan Malik, the All India Cine Workers Association, and the National Human Rights Commission, condemned the song. Lyricist Raqueeb Alam also stated that he had warned of potential censorship issues.
Directed by Prem, KD – The Devil is slated for a theatrical release on April 30. Despite the ongoing controversy, the film remains on schedule.
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