Actress Nora Fatehi has been in the news after her latest track ‘Sarke Chunar’ sparked a controversy and was eventually banned. The Hindi version of this song from the Kannada film ‘KD Devil’ was criticised over its alleged ‘double-meaning’ lyrics. The situation has escalated further now, with a group of ten lawyers reportedly approaching the Ministry of Home Affairs, demanding cancellation of Nora’s work permit and her deportation from India.As per reports, the complaint has also been forwarded to several key authorities, including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and the National Commission for Women, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.In their petition, the lawyers have alleged that the song is obscene, sexually suggestive, and offensive to public morality as well as the dignity of women. They further argued that Nora has misused her privilege to work in India by associating with such content. Referring to provisions under the Foreigners Act, 1946, they stated that the government holds the authority to act against foreign nationals whose actions may disrupt public decency or order. They also cited the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, along with other legal provisions.The plea additionally claims that the song violates multiple 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, the lawyers argued that such portrayals contribute to obscenity, promote the objectification of women, and reinforce problematic societal narratives.Earlier, responding to the backlash, Nora had stated that she was unaware of the meaning of the lyrics, as she had performed the song in Kannada. She also claimed that a translated version was used without her consent. The actress took to her social media and clarified in a video, “I shot this song three years ago in Kannada. When I shot this song, I said yes to it because it was part of a big film and also alongside Sanjay Dutt, who would say no to it. It was a remake of what I thought was ‘Nayak Nahi Khalnayak Hoon Main.'”She further revealed that she had no role in the Hindi adaptation and was unaware of the changes made later. “When they translated this song, nothing seemed inappropriate or vulgar to me, but I do not understand Kannada, so I rely on whatever they say to me. Whatever they have done right now, dubbing it in Hindi and the lyrics, they did not take any permission or approval from me. I had no idea about it,” she added.The actor also recalled her reaction when she attended the song’s launch event, where she first noticed certain issues. “When I attended the launch, I saw the Kannada version, and I had a major issue because they used unflattering photos in the lyrical video. They also used an AI photo of Sanjay and me. I was very irritated at the event when I saw all that. However, I kept my calm,” Nora continued.It was when she saw the Hindi version that she was left shocked. “I was conflicted with what I saw. When I saw the Hindi version, I knew it would get backlash. I told the director that this was not okay, and I dissociated myself from the project. I did not promote it anywhere. I told the director my image and reputation are on the line.”Speaking more broadly about the limitations faced by performers, she said, “The thing with us artists is that we do not have power, we have little power and control. Thankfully, in Bollywood, many have respected my work. However, there are certain industries that do not care about my opinion. But because of the backlash, they had to take it down, and I am thankful.”However, the petitioners dismissed her clarification, calling it an afterthought. They maintained that performers cannot take credit and remuneration for a project while distancing themselves from its content. The lawyers also asserted that the involvement of AI tools does not absolve individuals of responsibility.Adding to the controversy, the Muslim Personal Darul Ifta in Aligarh issued a fatwa against the actress after the song sparked outrage online. The body reportedly deemed the content objectionable and contrary to Islamic principles.Amid mounting criticism, the Union government on Wednesday confirmed that the song has been banned. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision in the Lok Sabha while responding to a query raised by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadouria.
