Nora Fatehi’s ‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’ row: Karnataka women’s commission seeks action over ‘derogatory’ lyrics

A song from the upcoming film “KD: The Devil”, featuring actors Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, has triggered controversy, with the Karnataka State Commission for Women urging authorities to take strict action over what it described as “derogatory and obscene” lyrics.

In a letter addressed to the Regional Director of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Commission raised concerns about the song “Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke”, which has recently been released online and is being widely circulated on social media platforms.

According to the Commission, complaints from members of the public prompted the intervention.

“Based on complaints received from the public, it has come to the notice of the Commission that lyrics derogatory to the dignity of women are being used in songs of certain films that are currently under production and promotion, including ‘KD: The Devil’,” the letter stated.

The Commission argued that such content goes against the film certification guidelines, which prohibit scenes or lyrics that demean or depict women in an obscene manner.

It further warned that public dissemination of such lyrics could negatively impact the safety and social well-being of women, and also violate the constitutional principle of respecting women’s dignity.

The panel requested the CBFC to scrutinise the song’s content carefully before granting certification, and to ensure that objectionable portions are modified or removed.

“Such objectionable lyrics and scenes should be thoroughly examined, and the film crew must be directed to delete, excise or modify them before certification is issued,” the letter added.

Letter Sent To Film Chamber

The Commission also wrote separately to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), urging it to take steps to discourage the use of content that could be interpreted as offensive to women.

The letter noted that certain songs from Kannada films, including “Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke”, have recently faced criticism in the public sphere.

“These lyrics are not only vulgar but may also create misconceptions about women in society,” the Commission said.

It urged the Film Chamber to issue guidelines to filmmakers and producers to ensure that dialogues and song lyrics do not undermine women’s dignity, and to discourage the production or promotion of such material.

“Cinema is a powerful medium that strongly influences society. Provocative literature or lyrics can encourage harassment or eve-teasing of working women and students in both rural and urban areas,” the letter stated.

Political And Industry Reactions

The controversy has also drawn political reactions. Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticised the song, calling it an example of what she described as growing vulgarity in the film industry.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, she said the song represented a “new low” and called for stricter regulation of such content.

“Bollywood has crossed limits with vulgarity and attention-seeking tactics. The entire country is condemning them, but I don’t think they feel any shame,” Ranaut said.

She also suggested that stronger controls may be needed on how such material is produced and distributed.

Legal Complaint Filed

The issue has also reached a legal forum. Advocate Vineet Jindal has filed a complaint seeking urgent action against the song, alleging that it contains “highly vulgar, sexually suggestive and obscene expressions.”

The complaint has been sent to both the CBFC and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

According to the filing, the song’s choreography and visual presentation are also provocative and may contribute to promoting vulgarity, thereby disturbing public decency.

The complainant has further argued that the song’s circulation could potentially attract provisions under Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with obscene acts and songs in public places. The complaint also cites provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

In addition, a separate complaint has reportedly been filed with the Delhi Police Cyber Cell regarding the song’s circulation on digital platforms.

Social Media Backlash

The controversy intensified after singer Armaan Malik publicly criticised the track’s lyrics.

Reacting to the video on X (formerly Twitter), Malik wrote that he had to replay the clip to confirm what he had heard.

“This showed up on my timeline and I had to replay it just to make sure I heard it right. Sad to see commercial songwriting hit a new low,” he posted.

His remark quickly gained traction online, with several social media users echoing similar concerns about the song’s lyrics and questioning how such content was approved in mainstream music.

As of now, the makers of the film and the CBFC have not issued an official response to the controversy.