Manushi Chhillar was not the dancer performing the move.
Diljit Dosanjh’s latest track ‘Kufar’ has sparked a strong debate, with one choreography moment drawing widespread criticism across social media.
The upbeat song, featuring Manushi Chhillar, includes a leg-lift sequence that many viewers labelled unnecessary and objectifying.
Choreographers Shazia Samji and Piyush Bhagat have now responded to the backlash, explaining the intention behind the move and defending the creative choices made on set.
The controversial shot appears during the line “jannat ke darwaaze kudiye,” where Diljit stands behind a female dancer lifting her leg.
Online users questioned the need for the step, calling it overly suggestive.
Speaking on a Hindi Rush podcast, Shazia said the moment was actually one of their favourites due to its playful energy and musical connection.
She praised Diljit’s delivery of the line, noting that the sequence was crafted to align closely with the song’s mood.
Piyush echoed her thoughts, emphasising that the choreography was a collaborative decision understood by the entire team.
He said everyone involved, including dancers, actors and the DOP, was fully aware of the sequence.
Piyush insisted the step fit naturally within the shoot’s vision and was executed exactly as intended.
He added that viewers were informed of what to expect from the very beginning, describing the number as a sexy dance that was clearly highlighted in the ‘Kufar’ teaser.
Both choreographers stressed that the song’s brief was straightforward, focusing on creating a fun, sexy and international-style performance.
Piyush said some people interpreted the step differently, but that varied reactions were inevitable.
Shazia added that they were instructed to design a sexy routine and accepted that both praise and criticism would follow.
They also clarified that Manushi Chhillar was not the dancer performing the move, addressing speculation surrounding her involvement.
Diljit later addressed the controversy in a live session, saying he was simply standing there and was unaware of everything happening around him during that moment.
Manushi also released a statement on X, urging viewers not to disrespect the dancer who performed the step.
She explained that the dancer was doing her job and deserved recognition rather than criticism.
Manushi described the shoot as hectic yet rewarding, revealing she learnt the choreography in six hours and had her costumes prepared in half a day.
‘Kufar’ was released in October as part of Diljit’s album AURA, which he described as a collection of “sexy songs for sexy dance,” inspired by fans praising his aura during live shows.
The music video has garnered over 30 million views on YouTube, continuing to attract attention despite the controversy.
The choreography and its bold execution have now become a significant talking point, keeping the song firmly in the spotlight across platforms.
Watch ‘Kufar’
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