Lyricist Defends Songwriters Amidst Vulgarity Debate

Veteran lyricist Sameer Anjaan has spoken out regarding the controversy surrounding the song 'Sarke Chunar' from the film KD: The Devil, asserting that writers should not be solely held accountable for content.

Anjaan believes writers are often unfairly targeted, suggesting that stories sometimes require a degree of 'mirch masala,' referencing past popular songs. However, he draws a line between suggestive lyrics and deliberately vulgar content, stating that some songs are intentionally made to sound offensive.

The lyricist also questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), asking why the song was cleared initially when its vulgarity was apparent. He pointed out that banning content after its release is ineffective, especially in the digital age. Anjaan criticized the broader industry for what he perceives as double standards, highlighting the presence of explicit language in dialogues in films and OTT shows while songs face stricter scrutiny.

He argued that if audiences accept vulgarity in dialogues, they should also accept it in songs, or conversely, stricter regulations should apply across the board. Anjaan attributed the current situation to evolving societal attitudes and called for more stringent checks at the certification stage to prevent objectionable content from being released in the first place. The song 'Sarke Chunar,' featuring Nora Fatehi, was banned last month after significant backlash, with the All Indian Cine Workers Association demanding an FIR against its makers. Nora Fatehi has been asked to appear before the National Commission for Women, stating she only translated the song and not written the original Kannada lyrics.