📌 Key Points
- Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt’s ‘Sarke Chunar’ faces ban after controversy.
- Minister Vaishnaw emphasizes freedom of speech has reasonable restrictions.
- AICWA, Kangana Ranaut, and Armaan Malik criticized the song’s lyrics.
- NHRC issued notices over the song’s ‘vulgar’ content and double meanings.
The song ‘Sarke Chunar,’ featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, has been banned amidst controversy over its lyrics. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the issue in Lok Sabha, emphasizing that freedom of speech is not absolute and must be balanced with societal values.
Minister Vaishnaw on Freedom of Speech
The controversy surrounding KD: The Devil’s track Sarke Chunar, featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt , has now spilled over into the Lok Sabha. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has weighed in on the debate, taking a strong stance against the song and emphasising that freedom of speech comes with reasonable restrictions.
Address the matter, Vaishnaw said, “Already ban lag chuka hai. Main spasht taur se aapke madhyam se sadan ko kehna chahunga, ke freedom of speech mein jo responsible restrictions hain unse hi chalna chahiye (A ban has been imposed on the song. We must operate according to the reasonable restrictions under the Freedom of Speech). Freedom of Speech cannot be absolute; it has to be in the context of the society and culture.”
Backlash Over Sarke Chunar’s Lyrics
He further added that in an era where content can go viral within moments through digital platforms, there is a greater need for caution and responsibility. “At a time, when content spreads rapidly through digital mediums, there is a need to exercise great caution. We are committed to taking strict action to ensure the protection of society—especially children, women, and vulnerable sections,” he added.
The song Sarke Chunar’s opening verse had a double entendre describing sex in rather graphic detail. The song was uploaded in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada by Anand Audio, the film’s official music partner. The Hindi version of the song is no longer on YouTube.
NHRC Intervention and Notices Issued
After the release of the song, All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), Kangana Ranaut and Armaan Malik came forward to slam the song for its objectionable lyrics.
A criminal complaint has been filed with the Delhi Police Cyber Cell regarding the song. In fact, the National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Central Board of Film Certification, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Google India over the song’s “vulgar, sexually suggestive, and double-meaning lyrics”. Meanwhile, the song’s Hindi lyricist Raqib Alam has distanced himself from the controversy, saying that he only translated the lyrics from the original Kannada version. He also raised objections to certain words in the song. The track was released on Monday, while the film is slated to be released next month.
The ‘Sarke Chunar’ controversy highlights the ongoing debate about artistic expression versus societal values. The government’s response underscores a commitment to protect vulnerable groups from potentially harmful content in the digital age.
