Nora Fatehi apologises after NCW hearing, vows to fund education of orphan girls over ‘Sarke Chunar’ row

Actor and dancer Nora Fatehi on Thursday apologised over the controversy surrounding the song “Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke” from the upcoming film KD: The Devil and announced that she would sponsor the education of orphan girls after appearing before the National Commission for Women in New Delhi.

The controversy around the song has dominated headlines in recent weeks after complaints alleged that its lyrics and visuals were objectionable and portrayed women in a disrespectful manner. The Commission had earlier issued notices to those associated with the track, including Nora Fatehi and actor Sanjay Dutt.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Nora said there was never any intention to offend people through the song and added that artists also carry social responsibility.

“It was just a situation that I was put in and there was no intention to offend anybody. But of course, I have to be responsible as an artist. I definitely apologise. We have done everything in writing. They have been very kind and helpful,” she said.

Announcing a social initiative after the controversy, Nora added that she had decided to contribute towards the education of orphan girls.

“It’s really important for us to give back to society. So, I decided that we should sponsor a few orphan girls and support their education. That is the goal after this matter,” she said.

The NCW had reportedly taken serious note of the complaints against the song, stating that certain lyrics and visuals crossed acceptable boundaries and negatively impacted the dignity and representation of women in mainstream entertainment. The issue triggered widespread debate online, with criticism pouring in from several social media users and women’s rights groups.

Amid the backlash, the song was eventually removed from YouTube following the Commission’s intervention, further intensifying public discussion around censorship, artistic freedom and accountability in the entertainment industry.

Nora Fatehi had initially been represented before the Commission by her legal team during an earlier hearing held on April 6. The NCW later directed her to appear personally, granting what was described as a final opportunity for an in-person appearance.

Earlier, Sanjay Dutt had also appeared before the Commission on April 27 in connection with the same matter. Following the hearing, his advocate Hemant Shah stated that the actor was unaware of the meaning of the lyrics because the song had been recorded in a language unfamiliar to him.

According to Shah, Dutt apologised before the panel and also committed to supporting the education of 50 tribal children as part of a social welfare initiative linked to the controversy.

The incident has sparked divided reactions across social media platforms. While many users criticised the song for allegedly objectifying women and promoting inappropriate content, others defended the creators, arguing that artistic expression in films and music should not face excessive scrutiny.

As of Thursday evening, the National Commission for Women had not issued any official statement detailing the final outcome of the hearings or whether further action would be taken against those involved in the song.