the actor Nora Fatehi has been in the news after his latest song ‘Sarke Chunar’ sparked controversy and was eventually banned. The Hindi version of this song from the Kannada film “KD Devil” was criticized for its alleged “double meaning” lyrics. The situation has escalated further now that a group of ten lawyers have reportedly approached the Ministry of Home Affairs, demanding that Nora’s work permit be canceled and she be deported from India.According to reports, the complaint has also been forwarded to various senior authorities, including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, General Board of Film CertificationThe Ministry of Electronics and Information Technologies and the National Women’s Commission, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.In their petition, the lawyers have alleged that the song is obscene, sexually suggestive and offensive to public morals and the dignity of women. They have also argued that Nora has misused her privilege to work in India by linking to that content. Referring to the provisions of the Aliens Act of 1946, they stated that the government has the power to act against foreign nationals whose actions may disturb public decency or order. They also referred to the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, along with other statutory provisions.The complaint also claims that the song violates various laws, including sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.Beyond the legal framework, lawyers argued that such portrayals contribute to obscenity, promote the objectification of women and reinforce problematic societal narratives.Earlier, responding to the backlash, Nora stated that she did not know the meaning of the lyrics as she had sung the song in Kannada. He also said that a translated version was used without his permission. The actor took to his social media and clarified in a video, “I recorded this song three years ago in Kannada. When I recorded this song, I said yes because it was a part of a big film and even with Sanjay Dutt he would say no. It was a remake of what I thought was ‘Nayak Nahi Khalnayak Hoon Main’.”He also revealed that he had no role in the Hindi adaptation and was not aware of the later changes. “When they translated this song, I didn’t find anything inappropriate or foreign, but I don’t understand Kannada, so I just rely on whatever they tell me. What they’ve done right now, dubbing Hindi and lyrics, they didn’t take any permission or approval from me. I had no idea about that,” he added. The actor also recalled his reaction when he attended the launch event of the song, where he first noticed some problems. “When I went to the launch, I saw the Kannada version, and I had a big problem because they used flattering pictures in the lyric video. They even used an AI picture of Sanjay and me. When I saw all that, I was very upset with the event. However, I kept my cool,” continued Nora.When he saw the Hindi version he was shocked. “I was conflicted with what I saw. When I saw the Hindi version, I knew there would be a reaction. I told the director that this was not right, and I walked away from the project. I did not promote it anywhere. I told the director that my image and reputation are at stake.” Speaking more broadly about the limitations that performers face, he said, “The thing about us as artists is that we have no power, we have little power and little control. Fortunately, in Bollywood, many have respected my work. However, there are some industries that don’t care about my opinion. But because of the reaction, they had to remove it, and I’m grateful.”However, the petitioners rejected his explanation, and later on. They maintained that performers cannot take credit and royalties from a project while distancing themselves from its content. Lawyers have also asserted that the implication of AI tools does not absolve individuals from liability.Adding to the controversy, Aligarh-based Muslim body Darul Ifta issued a fatwa against the actor after the song sparked outrage online. The body found the content objectionable and against Islamic principles.Amid criticism, the Union government on Wednesday confirmed that the song has been banned. Union Minister of Information and Media Ashwini Vaishnaw He announced the decision in the Lok Sabha in response to a question raised by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadouria.
