The music in the Hindi Film industry has taken a downward turn and the songs that the musicians are coming up these days have left the audience cringing more than making them groove. Yes, the 90s era had some random sexists lyrics. But you don't you think its better to change it than carrying on with it? At least, the 90s track had some flow, like a rhyme to it.
Whether it’s Chitiyan Kalaiyan Ve or the latest Beyonce sharma jayegi, Bollywood has a skin colour problem. For decades, we have had songs about goriya and gora rang — white complexion — and it’s 2020 but Bollywood is still perpetuating the same thing. If it thinks a fair-skinned Ananya Panday can be called a goriya who can “put Beyonce to shame”, then Bollywood hasn’t really moved on from its ’60s-70s model and isn’t listening to Hindustan Unilever’s ‘Fair & Lovely’ campaign.
And no, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, the American singer-songwriter has nothing to do with it. She is just a tool in Bollywood’s latest show of colourism. The first song from upcoming Hindi film Khaali Peeli, written by lyricist Kumaar and Raj Shekhar and composed by duo Vishal-Shekhar, released Monday to much criticism on social media, with people calling out the lyrics for using Beyoncé’s name in its skin colour comparison with the actor it’s picturised on — Ananya Panday. The other lead character, played by Ishaan Khatter, is seemingly mouthing praise for his co-star’s ‘beauty’.
Turns out, the makers didn't get permission from the pop star or her team for using her name which has been patented by the American songstress. A source from the production house told , "Beyoncé has not only trademarked her name, but also won a long legal battle to copyright daughter Blue Ivy's name. In a pre-emptive move, the makers are now planning to rewrite the song to avoid legal repercussions. A final call will be taken this week. With the dance number being called out for racism, it will be an unwise move to take on an international star like Beyoncé, especially at a time when the Black Lives Matter movement has set the stage for equality."
Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter's song has earned over 6 lakh dislike since its release. Khaali Peeli was scheduled for a theatrical release on 12 June. It will now release on a newly launched OTT initiative.
Check out netizens' reaction on this song