AR Rahman is receiving flak for his rendition of a patriotic song by the legendary Bengali poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Featured in the recent Bollywood film Pippa with Ishaan Khatter and Mrunal Thakur, the song has stirred up a controversy, among the late poet’s family members, who have perceive it as a “distortion” in rhythm and tunes, reports News18.
The song, ‘Karar oi louho kopat’ (Iron bars of a jail), was included in the war film ‘Pippa.’ The film delves into actual events from the 1971 India-Pakistan war, ultimately resulting in the creation of Bangladesh.
Now, the makers of Pippa have issued sincere apology.
It reads, “In light of the current discourse surrounding the song “Karar Oi Louho Kopat” the producers, director and music composer of the film Pippa wish to clarify that our rendition of the song is a sincere artistic interpretation, embarked upon only after securing the necessary adaptation rights from the estate of the Late Mr. Kazi Nazrul Islam. We have deep respect for the original composition and for the Late Mr. Kazi Nazrul Islam, whose contribution to the musical, political and social landscape of the Indian subcontinent is immeasurable. This album was created as a tribute to the men and women who dedicated their lives to the liberation of Bangladesh and keeping in mind the sentiments of their struggle for freedom, peace and justice. We approached the making of this song by faithfully following both the letter and the spirit of the license agreement for the lyrics, as duly signed with Late Mrs. Kalyani Kazi and witnessed by Mr. Anirban Kazi. Our intent was to pay homage to the cultural significance of the song while adhering to the terms set forth in our agreement, which permitted us to use the lyrics with a new composition. We understand the emotional attachment that audiences may have to the original composition, and while all art is inherently subjective, if our interpretation has hurt sentiments or caused unintended distress, we offer our sincere apologies.”
Kazi Anirban, the grandson of Islam, deemed it “injustice.” Despite his mother granting permission for the song’s inclusion in the movie, she did not okay any modifications to the tunes.
