‘Beyonse Sharma Jayegi’ Song: After outrage over being racially insensitive, ‘Khaali Peeli’ makers change Beyonce’s spelling

A few days back the makers of ‘Khaali Peeli’ had released its first song ‘Beyonce Sharma Jayegi’ featuring Ishaan Khatter and Ananya Panday. However little did they know that their track will draw flak for being ‘racist’.

Netizens had slammed the lyrics of the song calling it racist as the term ‘goriya‘ (used for fair-skinned woman) has been used to make comparison with pop icon Beyonce. After receiving flak for their racially insensitive lyrics, the makers have now made a minor change in the lyrics. Yes, they have changed Beyonce’s spelling to Beyonse.

In the track, praising Ananya, Ishaan sings “Ho tujhe dekh ke goriya, Beyonce sharma jaayegi”. Now netizens felt that comparing Beyonce ( who is an iconic black woman) with a fair-skinned woman is demeaning and racist. Amidst, the Black Lives Matter movement, the netizens also felt that the track’s lyrics are clearly disrespecting Beyonce.

So after garnering criticism, the makers have now changed the spelling fo Beyonce to avoid legal trouble. The song’s title and thumbnail have been changed on YouTube as well.

Post the outraged caused after the song’s release, the film’s director Maqbool Khan clarifying his stance had told Hindustan Times, “First, without any hesitation or excuses we want to apologise to anyone offended. We assure you that the lyric in question was never intended racially. In fact, the term ‘goriya’ has been so often and traditionally used in Indian songs to address a girl, that it didn’t occur to any of us to interpret it in a literal manner.”

Further speaking about the comparison with Beyonce, the director added, “Also the comparison with Beyonce is simply meant to be a street-smart guy flattering a girl who is trying to impress that her dancing/performance is worth comparing to even Beyonce who we all see as the final word, the epitome of talent, beauty, performance, style and attitude. We are all huge fans, and there was never any question of disrespect.”

‘Khaali Peeli’ is scheduled to release on October 2 on an OTT platform.

Also Read: ‘Beyonce Sharma Jayegi’ Song: Ishaan Khatter and Ananya Panday are here with a typical item number

Pooja Sharma

Cinephile. Bibliophile. Pluviophile. Selenophile. Autophile. Aesthete. Blood group- Tea positive. Poetry lover. Sucker of rom-coms.

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