Mumbai: Global sensation Nora Fatehi has finally addressed the firestorm surrounding the song "Sarke Chunar" from the upcoming pan-India film KD - The Devil.
In an explosive video message released Wednesday, the actress-dancer distanced herself from the track, claiming she was "misled" during production and never gave consent for the controversial Hindi version that has now been banned by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
The controversy erupted last week when the Hindi-dubbed version of the Kannada track "Sarse Ninna" went viral for its suggestive lyrics and choreography. The backlash reached a fever pitch in Parliament, leading to an official ban and the subsequent removal of the video from YouTube by the filmmakers.
Why did Nora Fatehi agree to the 'Sarke Chunar' song?
Addressing her followers on Instagram, Nora revealed that the footage was actually filmed three years ago. She explained that her decision to join the project was fueled by the opportunity to work alongside Bollywood icon Sanjay Dutt in a high-budget Kannada production. At the time, she relied entirely on the director's translation of the lyrics, as she does not speak or understand Kannada.
"Nothing seemed inappropriate or vulgar when they were translating it to me," Nora stated, emphasising that the original intent presented to her was vastly different from the Hindi product that eventually surfaced. She admitted to feeling "irritated" and blindsided at the song's launch event, where she first heard the "vulgar" Hindi dubbing.
Was the 'KD - The Devil' song released without Nora's permission?
In a shocking allegation against the filmmakers, Nora claimed that the Hindi version was created and released without her "approval or permission." She further called out the production team for using "unflattering photos" and even AI-generated images of her and Sanjay Dutt in the lyrical video, a move she says severely damaged her professional reputation.
Nora revealed that the moment she heard the Hindi lyrics, she warned director Prem that the track would face massive public backlash. "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," she said. Following her concerns, she chose to completely distance herself from the film's promotional campaign to protect her brand image.
Is there a ban on the 'Sarke Chunar' Hindi version?
The outcry against the song wasn't limited to social media. Major industry bodies, including the All India Cine Workers Association, and celebrities like singer Armaan Malik condemned the track. The situation escalated to the National Human Rights Commission, eventually leading the I&B Ministry to assure Parliament that a ban had been imposed on the "vulgar" Hindi version.
Nora thanked the public for the pressure they applied, noting that the "backlash" was the only reason the filmmakers finally took the song down.
What is the release date for 'KD - The Devil'?
Despite the legal hurdles and the lyrical controversy, the film KD - The Devil, directed by Prem, remains scheduled for a theatrical release on April 30, 2026. The movie, which features a heavy-hitting cast including Dhruva Sarja, Shilpa Shetty, and Sanjay Dutt, is expected to be one of the year's biggest Kannada releases, though the recent scandal has cast a long shadow over its marketing.