Shazia Samji and Piyush Bhagat, the choreographers behind Diljit Dosanjh’s latest song, Kufar, have finally spoken about the issue of a controversial dancing move that gained massive attention on social media. As per reports, the two dancers, during their discussion with Hindi Rush, revealed that the dance was supposed to be very daring and sensual. They stressed the fact that the art direction provided by the producers was unambiguous and the song had to appear “very sexy,” and thus, the dance mirrored that purpose. The duo admitted that the negative response was due to different understandings rather than any intention to offend.
The Moment That Sparked the Debate
The backlash started with a frame of the music video where the female dancer lifts her leg and Dosanjh is in the back, which became very popular on the internet. The actions of the dancer were considered vulgar by a large number of viewers, while others were of the opinion that they were not necessary at all. Shazia said that the specific move that was in controversy wasn’t actually done by Manushi Chhillar, as assumed by many, but was done by a background dancer who was just following the choreographic instructions. The two further said that both Diljit and Manushi were aware of the choreography, and they did not have any objections during the shooting.
“Sexy Song, Sexy Steps”: The Choreographers’ Defense
Shazia and Piyush both stood their ground and argued that the mood of the song was such that it needed expressive and sensual movements. Piyush further clarified that even though some might perceive the step in a negative light, it by no means renders the choreography as improper. In their opinion, the entire team on the set, from the director to the actors and dancers, was in sync with the vibe of the track. They emphasized once again that their work was to blend the energy of Diljit Dosanjh’s mighty vocals and the contemporary style to add the desired feel in the music video.
Diljit Dosanjh Reacts With Humor
With characteristic humor, Diljit Dosanjh handled the controversy swiftly during that time. He was doing an Instagram Live at that time and laughed his way through by saying, “I was just standing there; I didn’t know what was happening there.” His playful attitude not only entertained the public but also eased the situation a little bit. The artist, however, did not come out to support or criticize the dance but continued to say that he completely trusted the artistic group.
Manushi was also again the talk of the town during that time on social media, to the extent that she starred with Diljit Dosanjh in the Kufar music video. Some netizens ridiculed the ex-Miss World tag and wondered why her role was “restricted to minor dance acts.” Earlier, Manushi was also quick to reply to the online speculation. On X (previously Twitter), she said, “Not my fault. But let’s not show disrespect to the dancer who was just performing her duty.” Her straightforward and respectable reply soon gained a lot of exposure, and the majority of people praised her for standing up for the background artist involved in the argument.
A Larger Conversation on Creativity and Sensitivity
The Kufar debate has again opened up a larger conversation about artistic expression in music videos. On the one hand, there are viewers who think that the dance moves were too much, while on the other hand, there are people who claim that sensuality has always been a part of world pop culture. The dancers argue that their interpretation was purely driven by creativity and not by the desire to shock, and the song was supposed to mix glamour and power from the very beginning. While debates are still happening on the internet, Kufar is still one of the most popular songs this season, which is appreciated for both audio and visual appearances.
More about Kufar
In October, Diljit Dosanjh launched Kufar, a bold song that, together with his dynamic partnership with Manushi Chhillar, soon became the center of interest. This song is included in the album AURA, which is also very charming and funny, speaking with Diljit. He said that the album has a “sexy vibe,” similar to his on-stage energy. It is quite funny that AURA was named after his fans. At his gigs, the audience often expresses to him how powerful his presence is, making them dance continuously, while others are caged in silence with emotions. The mix of reactions was the catalyst for an album whose mood he planned, thus making it a celebration of the bond he has with his listeners.
