A controversy surrounding the song ‘Sarke Chunar’ from the Kannada film ‘KD: The Devil’ has escalated, prompting its removal from platforms, public apologies from singer Mangli and a government-backed ban confirmed in the Indian Parliament.
The track, originally released in Kannada as ‘Sarse Ninna Seraga Sarse’ and later adapted into Hindi, faced widespread criticism over its explicit and suggestive lyrics. The backlash intensified on social media, with audiences and public figures raising concerns about its content.
In response, Mangli issued a public apology via Instagram, stating that the song had been taken down “out of respect for public sentiment”. She acknowledged the oversight and assured listeners that a revised version with corrected lyrics would be released. She also expressed gratitude to the film’s team, including music director Arjun Janya. Comments on the post were disabled.
Actor-dancer Nora Fatehi, who appeared in the song alongside Sanjay Dutt, also addressed the controversy. In a video shared online, she distanced herself from the Hindi version, stating she had only agreed to perform for the original Kannada track and was unaware of the adaptation. She further claimed that her image was used without permission in the Hindi release.
“I would hate for anyone to think I endorse this,” she said, while urging audiences to stop sharing the song. However, she also pushed back against personal criticism, calling attempts to target her character “unfortunate”.
Lyricist Raqueeb, who translated the track into Hindi, reportedly raised objections to the lyrics, though he maintained that his role was limited to translation.
Amid growing public pressure, the controversy reached India’s Parliament. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed in the Lok Sabha that the song had been banned.
Addressing the issue, the minister emphasised that freedom of speech must operate within reasonable restrictions, particularly in a digital age where content spreads rapidly.
He added that the government remains committed to safeguarding societal values, especially in relation to women, children and vulnerable groups.
Following the backlash, the makers of KD: The Devil removed the video featuring Fatehi and Dutt from circulation.
