Khaali Peeli Director Maqbool Khan Reacts to ‘Beyonce Sharma Jayegi’ Controversy

The song, shot on the film’s stars Ishaan Khatter and Ananya Panday, was trolled heavily upon release on Monday, for the word “goriya” in the lyrics. The word refers to a fair woman and American pop superstar Beyonce, of African American origin, is dark-skinned. Beyonce’s name trended on Twitter all through Monday as many of her Indian fans claimed the line in the song is a racist dig at the singer.

Reacting to the criticism, Maqbool 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 and performance is worth comparing to 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.”

The song composed by Vishal and Shekhar is sung by Neeti Mohan and Nakash Aziz. Kumaar and Raj Shekhar have penned the lyrics of the track.