Legendary Bengali poet’s family protests ‘unbelievable’ use of revolutionary hymn in Bollywood film

Academy Award-winning singer and composer AR Rahman is facing massive backlash from the Bangladeshi public for performing a popular Bengali song in a Bollywood film.

The composer was accused of “distorting” the “essence” of revolutionary hymns.”Coloral Oy Roujo Copatin his version of the song used in the Hindi film “(translated as prison bars)” Pippa.

The protests were led by descendants of Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, who wrote the poem in 1922. Nazrul wrote this song in protest against the British arrest of freedom fighter Chittaranjan Das and sending him to jail.

This poem calls on people to break down the iron gates of the prison. Nazrul, also known as a revolutionary poet, was arrested by British colonizers in 1923 on charges of sedition. The song became iconic after it was first recorded by singer Jirin Chakraborty in 1949.

Bengalis, relatives of the legendary poet from Bangladesh and the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, accused Rahman of ruining the original symphony.

Following the backlash, the film’s producers apologized on Tuesday and clarified that their “intent is to honor the cultural significance of the song” while adhering to the terms of the contract.

Roy Kapur Films said in a statement: “We understand that audiences can develop emotional attachments to the original work, and while all art is inherently subjective, if… We sincerely apologize if our interpretation hurt feelings or caused any unintended pain.”

The makers claimed that they had worked on the song “faithfully following” both letter and spirit of the “Lyrics Licensing Agreement” signed by Kalyani Kazi and witnessed by Anirban Kazi.

Kalyani Kazi, the poet’s daughter-in-law, passed away this year. Before her death, she had licensed the “literary work” to a Bollywood production company in 2021 in return for 200,000 rupees (£1,928). indian era report.

According to the contract, the right to “use, adapt, and recreate the ‘Literary Work’ as part of a musical work” and “the right to edit, reformat, and/or abridge the Literary Work for the aforementioned purposes.” It has been handed over to the production company. ”.

Kalyani Kazi’s daughter Anindita Kazi, who is based in New Jersey, claimed she was never briefed on such an agreement.

“I’m starting to find out all of this at a time when the world is protesting this incredible distortion of an iconic song,” she said. indian era.

“People are hurling invisible hate bombs at me because I am party to this agreement and trading song rights instead of money. I make it clear that I am not party to this agreement. I strongly object to Rahman’s actions.”

Nazrul’s grandson, Anirban Qazi, expressed disapproval of the reenactment of the song and said he would continue to protest.

Mishti Kazi, the Dhaka-based poet’s granddaughter, said: “It’s very embarrassing. An artist of Rahman’s caliber has written such an iconic song that has inspired people all over the world and across generations. , how could you distort it like this? It’s a ruthless attempt.”

Chandra Kumar Bose, grandson of freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose, said, “These revolutionary songs inspired many freedom fighters, including ‘Bose Brothers Sarat & Subhash. Distorting it is an act of blasphemy.”

“On behalf of Mr. Bose, I strongly condemn this.”

So far, Rahman has not released a statement.

Pippa Directed by Raja Menon, starring Ishaan Khatter, Mrunal Thakur and Priyanshu Panuri.