New Delhi: Actress and dancer Nora Fatehi has finally addressed the escalating controversy surrounding the song Sarke Chunar — specifically the Hindi version titled Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke — which was widely criticised for its objectionable lyrics and suggestive imagery. In a video statement shared on Instagram, Nora clarified her non-involvement with the Hindi rendition and revealed that she had no prior knowledge or approval of its creation.
The row over Sarke Chunar intensified after the song, featuring AI-generated visuals of Nora Fatehi and veteran actor Sanjay Dutt, was released online. Ahead of the backlash, the track was also linked to the upcoming Kannada film KD: The Devil, directed by Prem and starring Dhruva Sarja.
Nora Fatehi Says She Never Approved the Hindi Sarke Chunar
In her statement, Nora Fatehi said she had originally shot the song Sarke Chunar three years ago in Kannada — for a project in the Sandalwood film industry — and agreed to participate because it was part of a big film and offered the opportunity to work with Sanjay Dutt. “When they explained the song to me at the time, nothing seemed inappropriate or vulgar,” she said.
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However, Nora revealed that the Sarke Chunar Hindi version was developed and released without her permission. She emphasised that neither she nor her team were consulted before the makers created the Hindi lyrics and paired them with her image. “I had no idea about this Hindi Sarke Chunar song, I did not perform to it, and there was no permission taken to use it with my image,” she said.
Backlash Leads to Removal of Sarke Chunar from Platforms
Nora Fatehi thanked audiences for the backlash, saying it played a crucial role in pressuring the filmmakers to take down Sarke Chunar from online platforms. “I would hate for anyone to think I endorse this. Thank you for the backlash because due to this pressure the filmmakers have luckily taken it down,” she wrote in the Instagram caption accompanying her video.
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The song Sarke Chunar had received widespread criticism, including complaints filed with the Delhi Police and national authorities. A number of prominent celebrities — including Kangana Ranaut, Armaan Malik, Onir, and Ravi Kishan — condemned the Hindi version for vulgarity and inappropriate choreography.
AI Images and Lack of Consent Spark Further Outrage
Nora also revealed that she first saw the AI-generated visuals and altered song lyrics at a launch event, where she was invited as a guest. She expressed displeasure at the use of unapproved images and AI-generated content of herself and Sanjay Dutt, reiterating that she had not consented to any of it.
“I’m already against AI, so I was really irritated when I saw what I saw at the event. Then they played the Hindi Sarke Chunar version. I knew it was not appropriate,” she said, adding that she immediately distanced herself from the project and reported her concerns to the director.
Nora Highlights Struggles of Artists Without Industry Backing
In her address, Nora Fatehi also spoke about the challenges faced by independent artists. She said that unlike some actors who have strong industry support, artists like her have limited control over how their likeness is used. “As artists, especially artists like me who are not nepo kids, we don’t come with a certain power behind us. We have little power. We have little control,” she noted.
The Kannada film KD: The Devil, featuring the original Sarke Chunar song, is slated for release on April 30.