The controversy around the song Sarke Chunar has taken a fresh turn, with singer Mangli issuing a public apology and confirming that the track has been removed from all platforms. The Hindi version of the song, criticised for explicit lyrics, triggered a sharp backlash online and was even raised in Parliament, where the government said the song has already been banned.
Also Read: Dinesh Karthik & Dipika Pallikal welcome third child. Couple names daughter 'Raaha', here’s the beautiful meaning behind it
"Out of respect for public sentiment, the song has been removed from all platforms. I sincerely apologies to each and every one of you for the unintended mistake. It was never meant to hurt anyone's sentiments, and we truly regret the oversight," Mangli shared in a post on Instagram.
She added that a corrected version of the song will be released soon.
"We assure you that such a situation will not arise again. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the makers of the film and music director Arjun Janya sir, for whom I have the highest regard," she said.
Actor Nora Fatehi, who appears in the song alongside Sanjay Dutt, distanced herself from the controversy. She said she had recorded the Kannada version three years ago and had already raised concerns when she later heard the Hindi version.
Also Read: Fuel from air and water? China start-up, co-founded by ex Tesla VP, claims big breakthrough amid oil crisis
Lyricist Raqeeb Alam also stepped away from the issue, stating that he had warned the makers about the tone of the Hindi lyrics. According to him, he was asked to translate the Kannada version directly, which was originally written by the film’s director Prem.
Responding to the issue, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed action had been taken.
"A ban has been imposed on the song. The framers of Constitution placed certain reasonable restrictions, and we should function within those limits. Freedom of speech cannot be absolute, it has to be in the context of the society and culture," Vaishnaw said.
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The CBFC clarified that it had no role, as the song was released on YouTube.
For now, the song’s removal marks a pause in the controversy, but the episode has once again brought the spotlight on how quickly digital content can spiral into a national debate.
Singer issues apology, promises revised version
Mangli addressed the issue through a late-night Instagram post, saying the team did not intend to offend listeners and that changes are being made to the lyrics.Also Read: Dinesh Karthik & Dipika Pallikal welcome third child. Couple names daughter 'Raaha', here’s the beautiful meaning behind it
"Out of respect for public sentiment, the song has been removed from all platforms. I sincerely apologies to each and every one of you for the unintended mistake. It was never meant to hurt anyone's sentiments, and we truly regret the oversight," Mangli shared in a post on Instagram.
She added that a corrected version of the song will be released soon.
"We assure you that such a situation will not arise again. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the makers of the film and music director Arjun Janya sir, for whom I have the highest regard," she said.
From release to removal: How the backlash built up
The Hindi version of Sarke Chunar, released earlier this week, quickly drew criticism over its sexually explicit lyrics. The outrage spread across social media and soon reached Parliament.Actor Nora Fatehi, who appears in the song alongside Sanjay Dutt, distanced herself from the controversy. She said she had recorded the Kannada version three years ago and had already raised concerns when she later heard the Hindi version.
Also Read: Fuel from air and water? China start-up, co-founded by ex Tesla VP, claims big breakthrough amid oil crisis
Lyricist Raqeeb Alam also stepped away from the issue, stating that he had warned the makers about the tone of the Hindi lyrics. According to him, he was asked to translate the Kannada version directly, which was originally written by the film’s director Prem.
Political heat and official response
The matter escalated when Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadoria raised concerns in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour, calling unchecked online content a negative influence.Responding to the issue, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed action had been taken.
"A ban has been imposed on the song. The framers of Constitution placed certain reasonable restrictions, and we should function within those limits. Freedom of speech cannot be absolute, it has to be in the context of the society and culture," Vaishnaw said.
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The CBFC clarified that it had no role, as the song was released on YouTube.
Film still on track for release
Sarke Chunar is part of the Kannada film KD The Devil, which is being released in multiple languages, including Hindi. Despite the controversy around the song, the film is scheduled to hit theatres on April 30.For now, the song’s removal marks a pause in the controversy, but the episode has once again brought the spotlight on how quickly digital content can spiral into a national debate.
