Mumbai, India – Lyricist Raqueeb Alam, credited for the Hindi version of the controversial song "Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke" from the upcoming film "KD: The Devil," revealed he warned filmmakers about potential censorship risks due to its explicit lyrics. Alam stated he initially refused to write the lines, which were a translation of director Prem's original Kannada lyrics. Actress Nora Fatehi, who features in the song, also claimed she alerted the director about the impending controversy after hearing the Hindi version. The song has since faced widespread backlash, leading to its removal from YouTube and a government ban.[thehindu+4]
Lyricist's Prior Objections Revealed
Raqueeb Alam stated that he did not write the original controversial lyrics for the song. He clarified that the lines were penned in Kannada by the film's director, Prem. When asked to translate the Kannada lyrics into Hindi, Alam expressed his discomfort. He told Hindustan Times, "Yeh lyrics maine nahi likhe hain, 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." He added that he was instructed to literally translate the Kannada version, including words he found offensive. Alam expressed feeling humiliated by the association with the song.[m+6]
The Hindi song, featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, quickly drew criticism for its "vulgar," "sexually suggestive," and "obscene" content. The lyrics employ double meanings, initially appearing to describe a sexual act before shifting to a metaphor about an alcohol bottle. The choreography, particularly a "pallu-drop" hook step, also raised eyebrows for being provocative.[m+8]
Nora Fatehi Also Issued a Warning
Nora Fatehi, who performs in the dance number, also confirmed she warned the director about the song's content. Fatehi explained that she shot the song three years ago in Kannada, a language she does not understand. She relied on the filmmaker's translation of the lyrics, which she did not find inappropriate at the time. However, upon hearing the Hindi version at the song's launch event, she realized its vulgar nature.[thehindu+1]
"Only at the song's launch event, when she heard the song's Hindi lyrics, did she understand how vulgar its lyrics sounded. She also claimed that she warned the filmmaker about the song and how it could land them in trouble," according to a report. Fatehi publicly stated she does not endorse vulgarity and expressed gratitude for the public backlash that led to the song's removal. She urged the media and public to hold filmmakers and content creators accountable for such material.[thehindu+4]
Swift Backlash and Official Action
The controversy surrounding "Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke" escalated rapidly following its release on March 14, 2026. Within hours, viewers and industry figures condemned the song, sparking calls for its immediate removal. The Hindi version of the song was subsequently made private on YouTube by the makers. However, versions in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam remained accessible.[indiatoday+8]
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took serious note of the complaints, issuing notices to the filmmakers over the alleged objectionable content. Advocate and social activist Vineet Jindal filed a formal complaint with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Delhi Police Cyber Cell, seeking an immediate ban and removal of the song. The complaint highlighted concerns that the lyrics and visuals were obscene and potentially harmful, especially for minors.[oneindia+11]
Government Intervention and Industry Reactions
The controversy even reached the Indian Parliament. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the issue in the Lok Sabha, confirming that the song had been banned. Vaishnaw emphasized that freedom of speech must operate within "reasonable restrictions" that respect society and culture, implying that such content crosses acceptable boundaries.[indianexpress+1]
Several prominent figures from the Indian film and music industry also voiced their disapproval. Singer Armaan Malik called the song a "new low" for commercial songwriting standards. He expressed genuine shock at the lyrics, stating he wished he could "unhear it." Filmmaker Onir questioned the Censor Board's priorities, suggesting it was preoccupied with other matters while allowing such "rubbish" content. Actress Kangana Ranaut criticized Bollywood for showcasing vulgarity and called for stricter oversight.[indianexpress+9]
Film Background and Future Steps
"KD: The Devil" is an upcoming pan-India Kannada-language action drama directed by Prem and produced by KVN Productions. The film stars Dhruva Sarja in the titular role, alongside Sanjay Dutt and Shilpa Shetty, with Nora Fatehi making a special appearance in the song. It is positioned as a period action drama set in the underworld of the 1970s and is scheduled for release on April 30, 2026.[thehindu+3]
In response to the severe backlash, the makers have reportedly approached Raqueeb Alam to write a fresh version of the song with "clean lyrics." This revised version may be released along with an apology note. While the controversy has cast a shadow on the film's promotional activities, the production house aims to address public concerns and move forward with the film's theatrical release. The debate continues to highlight ongoing tensions within the industry regarding content standards, censorship, and the responsibility of filmmakers to their audiences.[en+6]
