Singer Mangli Issues Apology Over 'Sarke Chunar' Lyrics Controversy
Telugu folk singer Mangli has publicly apologized for the sexually explicit lyrics in the Hindi version of the song "Sarke Chunar," which sparked widespread outrage and led to its removal from all digital platforms. In a statement posted on Instagram, Mangli expressed regret for the unintended offense caused, emphasizing that the team's intention was never to hurt anyone's sentiments.
Updated Version to Be Released Soon
Mangli confirmed that the lyrics have been revised, and a corrected version of the song will be released in the near future. She stated, "Out of respect for public sentiment, the song has been removed from all platforms. I sincerely apologize to each and every one of you for the unintended mistake. It was never meant to hurt anyone's sentiments, and we truly regret the oversight." The singer also thanked the film's makers and music director Arjun Janya for their support during this controversy.
Parliamentary and Regulatory Scrutiny
The Hindi version of "Sarke Chunar," released earlier this week, faced severe backlash for its vulgar content, prompting discussions in Parliament. Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadoria raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, criticizing the negative influence of unchecked content on OTT platforms and social media. In response, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the song had already been banned, citing constitutional limits on freedom of speech within societal and cultural contexts.
Involvement of Other Celebrities
Actress Nora Fatehi, who appears in the dance video alongside Sanjay Dutt, and lyricist Raqeeb Alam have distanced themselves from the controversy. Fatehi clarified that she recorded the Kannada version three years ago and had flagged concerns about the Hindi lyrics to the makers upon hearing them. Similarly, Alam explained that he was instructed to provide a literal translation from the Kannada lyrics, written by director Prem, and had warned about the vulgarity in the Hindi adaptation.
Regulatory Actions and Film Details
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the Censor Board over the song. However, the Censor Board stated it had no jurisdiction since the song was released on YouTube. The film "KD The Devil," a Kannada production dubbed in four languages including Hindi, is scheduled for release on April 30, 2026.
