‘Sarke Chunariya’ row: Nora Fatehi appears before NCW, vows to fund education of orphan girls

Actor-dancer Nora Fatehi appeared before the National Commission for Women on Thursday in connection with the controversy surrounding the song Sarke Chunariya, which had sparked criticism over its lyrics and visuals.

Fatehi attended the hearing at 11:30 am after the Commission earlier this year summoned her and others associated with the song as part of its inquiry into allegations of obscenity and vulgarity. Following the meeting, the actor apologised and announced that she would sponsor the education of orphan girls.

“... I apologize. Of course, it was not my intention. It was just a situation I was put in, and there was no intention to offend anybody. But as an artist, I have to be responsible, so I sincerely apologize. We have completed everything in writing, and they have been very kind and helpful...” Fatehi said after meeting officials of the Commission.

She further said, “I apologise as I have to be responsible as an artist. There was no intention to offend anybody. After this matter, I have decided to sponsor the education of orphan girls.”

NCW inquiry into the song

The Commission had in March issued notices to Fatehi, actor Sanjay Dutt, lyricist Raqueeb Alam, producer Venkat K. Narayana and director Kiran Kumar after taking suo motu cognisance of media reports related to the track.

In an earlier statement, the NCW said the song “appears to be sexually suggestive and objectionable”, adding that it raised concerns over possible violations under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

“The National Commission for Women, in exercise of its powers under the NCW Act, 1990, has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports alleging obscenity and vulgarity in the song 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke. Observing that the content prima facie appears to be sexually suggestive, objectionable, and violative of provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, IT Act, and POCSO Act, the Commission has taken serious note of the matter,” the statement said.

Political and public backlash

The controversy erupted soon after the release of the song featuring Fatehi and Dutt, with critics accusing the makers of objectifying women and promoting vulgarity through the track’s lyrics and visuals. The backlash quickly escalated, with several groups and individuals demanding legal action and seeking a ban on the song.

The issue later reached Parliament, where Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that the song had been banned following widespread criticism. The minister made the statement while replying to a question raised by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadouria.

(With ANI inputs)