The first song of Bollywood actors Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khattar's upcoming film Khaali Peeli dropped online last week and has been falling from grace ever since.
Titled Beyoncé Sharma Jayegi, the dance number is being accused of racism by glorifying Ananya’s white skin and comparing it to that of Beyoncé, a black woman, alluding to how the latter would feel ashamed after witnessing the beauty of the prior.
The music video of the track shows Ananya and Ishaan dressed in sequined outfits, dancing in a circus. Unfortunately, the lyrics make it feel like one as well. Sung by Nakash Aziz and Neeti Mohan, Beyoncé Sharma Jayegi has been composed by Vishal, Shekhar and written by Kumaar and Raj Shekhar, according to Hindustan Times.
However, it seems like the colour controversy is just the beginning of troubles for the makers of the film. For starters, Beyoncé has trademarked her name, barring anyone from using it commercially. Given this, a Mid-Day report states that the makers are likely to rework the lyrics of the song to avoid an international legal battle.
A source informed the daily that the final call will be taken this week. "In a pre-emptive move, the makers are now planning to rewrite Beyoncé Sharma Jayegi 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," the insider said.
The trailer of the film didn't do really well as well.
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