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- By Ridhi Suri
- Tue, 14 Nov 2023 10:30 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The controversy surrounding the use of Kazi Nazrul Islam's iconic song 'Karar Oi Louho Kopat' in Pippa, starring Ishaan Khatter and Mrunal Thakur, has taken the center stage. The late poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's grandson and artist, Kazi Anirban, has claimed that while the family gave permission for the song to be used in the movie, they did not authorise any changes to the tunes and rhythm. Responding to the same, the makers of Pippa have now issued a statement.
In a statement, the Pippa team, including producers RSVP and Roy Kapur Films, expressed their profound admiration for the original composition by Kazi Nazrul Islam and acknowledged his significant contributions to the musical, political, and social fabric of the Indian subcontinent. The team clarified that the film's album was crafted as a homage to the individuals instrumental in the liberation of Bangladesh. "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," the statement read.
"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," it added.
Apologising further, it said "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."
— RSVP (@RSVPMovies) November 13, 2023
Meanwhile, the revamped version of 'Karar Oi Louho Kopat' by AR Rahman has not only upset the poet's family but also the artistic community in West Bengal and Bangladesh. Kazi Nazrul Islam's grandson, Kazi Anirban, along with his granddaughter Anindita Kazi, renowned Bengali singer Haimanti Shukla, and Khilkhil Kazi, another granddaughter residing, have criticised the filmmakers, accusing them of 'distorting' the poet's creation in what they consider an outrageous manner. As of now, AR Rahman has not issued any comments on the matter.
ALSO READ: Pippa: AR Rahman's Rendition of Nazrul Islam's Patriotic Song Sparks Controversy
About Pippa
Raja Krishna Menon's directorial, starring Ishaan Khatter as the real-life war hero Captain Balram Singh Mehta, briefly narrates the events of the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, which resulted in the birth of Bangladesh. The movie depict the historical scenario of East and West Pakistan, explaining the longstanding divide between the two nations since the partition in 1947. It also stars Mrunal, Priyanshu Painyuli, and Soni Razdan in significant roles.
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