"When I was asked to write all this, I refused"
‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’ lyricist Raqueeb Alam has reacted to the song’s backlash, claiming it was not his own creation and saying a new version was on the way.
The song, which is from the upcoming film KD: The Devil, features an item performance from Nora Fatehi.
Shortly after its release, the track sparked backlash.
Many criticised Nora’s bold outfit and the sexually suggestive lyrics, labelling the song “vulgar”.
The controversy has now deepened after lyricist Raqueeb Alam publicly distanced himself from the song.
He denied writing the lyrics, instead attributing them to the film’s director Prem, who originally wrote the track in Kannada.
Raqueeb told Hindustan Times: “I did not write these lyrics; 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.
“They told me to only literally translate the Kannada version and give it to them, they will set it to the song’s meter.
“Words like ‘Choosega’, ‘chaatega’ are all there in the original version only.”
Raqueeb acknowledged the song’s double meaning, but criticised its execution and tone.
He added: “In the end, they say that the entire song is about an alcohol bottle. But before that, everything is so vulgar. I had refused. Why would I need to write such songs?
“When I write good songs, people don’t notice.
“I have written ‘Chikri Chikri’ in Hindi for Ram Charan’s upcoming film Peddi. All the songs of Pushpa in Hindi were written by me. I am feeling humiliated myself because of Chunri.”
The makers have since removed the song from its YouTube channel.
Raqueeb also revealed that the production team has since attempted to address the backlash by requesting a revised version of the song.
He said: “They called me on Monday night, and requested me to write a fresh version with clean lyrics. I sent it to them on Tuesday morning, it was being recorded the same day.
“They are planning to release the song on Tuesday evening along with an apology note.”
The controversy drew strong reactions from within the film and music industry.
Armaan Malik said: “Sad to see commercial songwriting hit a new low.”
Filmmaker Onir added: “And the censor board is busy with the naming of a film #GhooskhorPandat.
“Strange country we are becoming… opposing Valentines day celebration, interfaith marriage/celebration while ok with this rubbish.”
One social media user wrote: “Vulgarity on the top.”
Another stated: “The lyrics are so cheap and vulgar.”
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