Sarke Chunar Row: Nora Fatehi Apologises To NCW With Clarification, Claims She 'Was Put In This Situation...'

Actor Nora Fatehi has appeared before the National Commission for Women over the Sarke Chunar song controversy, submitted a written apology, and promised support for girls’ education, while the Commission continues to examine complaints of alleged vulgar content and indecent portrayal of women in the Hindi track that also features Sanjay Dutt from the film KD The Devil.

The Hindi version of Sarke Chunar, released on YouTube on March 15, drew sharp criticism for its allegedly sexually explicit lyrics and visuals. Public objections focused on the portrayal of women in the video, prompting the makers to pull down the Hindi song from YouTube, although clips and uploads of the track are still shared on different online platforms.

Nora Fatehi Sarke Chunar controversy: NCW appearance and apology

Nora Fatehi reached the NCW office in Delhi on Thursday, after earlier skipping a scheduled hearing by citing travel abroad and seeking a fresh date. During this appearance, Nora answered questions linked to the Sarke Chunar row and formally submitted a written apology to the Commission, which is headed by NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar.

Addressing the media outside the NCW premises, Nora underlined that the situation was unintended from her perspective and stressed her responsibility as a public figure. In the video from the spot, Nora is heard saying, "I did (appear before the Commission) and I apologised. 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 apologised, we have done everything in writing."

Nora Fatehi Sarke Chunar controversy: Nora’s stand on the song versions

Before her in-person appearance, Nora had publicly distanced herself from the Hindi adaptation of Sarke Chunar, stating that she had only filmed for the Kannada version. Nora maintained that her consent was not sought before the track was translated and recorded in Hindi, and said the language barrier meant Nora did not know the original Kannada lyrics while shooting.

The original Kannada version of Sarke Chunar was written by director Prem, who also directed KD The Devil, while the Hindi lyrics credit goes to Raqeeb Alam. After the controversy grew, Raqeeb Alam distanced the self from the Hindi track, joining other members of the creative team, including the lyricist, singer and director, who issued their own apologies regarding the song.

Nora Fatehi Sarke Chunar controversy: Corrective steps and social commitments

Nora has also announced a social initiative linked to the case, saying the NCW members treated Nora with kindness during the proceedings. Speaking about a corrective step, Nora said, "They have been so kind and helpful. It's really important for us to give back to society. So, I decided that we should sponsor a few orphan girls, their education, so that is the goal after this matter," highlighting a focus on education for orphaned girls.

Earlier, in an Instagram clarification after the Hindi song backlash, Nora told followers that Nora had filmed Sarke Chunar in Kannada, a language Nora does not understand. Nora stated that, like the audience, Nora came to know about the controversial Hindi lyrics later and was shocked, emphasising that there was no intent to offend any community or disrespect women.

The NCW, during its hearings, has raised questions about alleged vulgarity and the depiction of women in the Hindi Sarke Chunar video. The rights panel asked the involved parties about their intent, level of awareness regarding the lyrics and visuals, and accountability for content that reaches a wide public through film music and online streaming platforms.

Prominent personalities have also weighed in on the dispute around the song. Actor-politicians Ravi Kishan and Kangana Ranaut, along with singer Armaan Malik, are among those who have criticised the lyrics and presentation of Sarke Chunar. Their objections added pressure on the makers and performers to explain their roles and respond to concerns about respect for women on screen.

Last month, actor Sanjay Dutt appeared before the NCW regarding the same Hindi song from KD The Devil and gave a written apology. Sanjay Dutt expressed regret for any "unintended" harm caused to society. As part of corrective measures, Sanjay Dutt pledged to sponsor the education of 50 tribal girl children, linking the apology to a specific welfare initiative focused on women’s empowerment.

Key details of the corrective commitments from Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt are summarised below.

Name	Connection to Sarke Chunar	Action before NCW	Corrective measure
Nora Fatehi	Featured in song; appeared in Kannada and linked Hindi version	Submitted written apology; appeared on Thursday	Plans to sponsor education of orphaned girls
Sanjay Dutt	Featured in Hindi song from KD The Devil	Submitted written apology last month	To sponsor education of 50 tribal girl children

The Hindi Sarke Chunar video starred both Nora and Sanjay Dutt, which placed them at the centre of the complaints as the NCW examined the broader issue of how women are projected in mainstream cinema songs. While the Hindi version was removed from YouTube following public outrage, unofficial uploads and shares have kept the conversation alive across different digital channels.