‘Sarke Chunar’ controversy: Actor Sanjay Dutt apologizes, will bear the expenses of education of 50 tribal girls

New Delhi. Actor Sanjay Dutt on Monday appeared before the National Commission for Women in connection with the controversy surrounding the song “Sarke Chunar” and submitted a written apology and expressed regret for any “unintentional” hurt to the sentiments of the society. During the hearing, the Commission expressed concern over the alleged obscenity and misrepresentation of women in the song of the film “KD The Devil” and raised questions on issues of intention, awareness and accountability.

Commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, during the hearing, stressed on whether due diligence was done before producing such a song, the content of which could be considered to promote objectification of women. He also stressed the responsibility of senior and influential public figures to ensure that their work remains within legal and social standards.

As a corrective measure, Dutt has promised to fund the education of 50 tribal girls as part of his social welfare and women empowerment efforts, the commission said in a statement. Dutt also assured the Commission that necessary legal provisions will be included in their agreement in future, so that there is respectful and appropriate portrayal of women and children in films and related creative projects.

Actress Nora Fatehi was also summoned in the case. However, she could not appear as she is currently abroad and has sought a new date for the hearing. On April 6, others associated with the song appeared before the commission and submitted apology letters. These people include director Kiran Kumar alias Prem, lyricist Raqib Alam and representative of KVN production company Gautam K. M. and Suprit were included.

The Commission underlined that artistic freedom is important, but it must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity. It reiterated the need for accountability in content reaching the general public at large. The National Commission for Women also reiterated its commitment to protect the dignity of women. The lyrics of the Hindi version of this song, which was released on YouTube on March 15, were allegedly obscene, due to which people expressed their displeasure.

After creating outrage on social media, this song has probably been removed from YouTube. However, it was widely played and shared on various platforms. Later in a video, Fatehi distanced himself from the song, saying that he had shot the video for the Kannada format and his permission was not taken to use it in the Hindi format. The lyricist, singer and director have also apologized.

This issue was raised by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadauria during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha last month. Information and Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnav had said in her reply that the song mentioned has already been banned. It is a Kannada film, which has been dubbed in four languages ​​including Hindi. The film starring Dhruv Sarja, V Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, Shilpa Shetty and Dutt will release in theaters on April 30.