Pakistani pop singer Abrar-ul-Haq, in his first interview to Independent Urdu after dubbing his song ‘Nach Punjaban‘ in the upcoming Bollywood film ‘Jag Jag Jiv’, said that Karan Johar has ruined his song.
Talking to Independent Urdu, Abrarul Haq said that ‘Kapi hi karna tha to khata to karte, what is the copy so bad, they have not only ruined the song but also its dance steps are not good. Now on this Punjabi song, what was the song of Nagan dance?’
Abrar-ul-Haq said that the music did not go well with him at all, because this kind of Punjabi song, with a Punjabi touch, can only be sung by a true Punjabi, it did not come from Bollywood at all.
“I am also sorry that this song has been filmed on such big stars, but the picturisation is also very bad. At least do Punjabi dance steps.’ Abrar-ul-Haq said that he asked Salman Khan to dance on this song during the promotion, at least he would have done a Punjabi step.
According to Abrarul Haq, he has not sold the copyrights of this song to anyone and now he is going to file a claim in the court for stealing this song. According to Abrar, his lawyers are filing cases in Pakistan, UK and India in three countries and probably one billion rupees in damages are being claimed.
Abrar-ul-Haq said that the case will be done in India with the help of his lawyers.
‘If anyone has any documents please bring them forward, I have made it very clear that the copyright of this song has not been sold to anyone.’
In response to a question, Abrarul Haque said that it is true that when the song was released in Pakistan, there was a lot of objection and they had to change it from ‘Nach Punjaban’ to ‘Nach Majajan’. According to him, such objections were also raised on his first song ‘Ballu De Ghar’.
He said that on his song ‘Parveen’, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court took notice of him and said that Parveen is the name of women in every other house, so how can a song be made on it.
Abrar ul Haq added that such problems keep happening in Pakistan but now the issue is that Bollywood has stolen my song and this is not the first time, but this time they will definitely go to court.
#Karan #Johar #ruined #song #AbrarulHaq
Interview with Abrar-ul-Haq: Pakistani Pop Singer Critiques Bollywood’s Take on ‘Nach Punjaban’
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Abrar. Let’s dive right in. You recently expressed your concerns about the Bollywood film ‘Jag Jag Jiv’ and the way your song ‘Nach Punjaban’ was adapted. Can you explain your feelings on this?
Abrar-ul-Haq: Thank you for having me. Honestly, I feel quite disappointed. Karan Johar, who is well-known in the industry, has, in my opinion, completely ruined my song. If they were going to remake it, I wish they would have put in more effort to do it justice.
Interviewer: You mentioned that the dance steps and music didn’t align with the essence of a Punjabi song. Can you elaborate on that?
Abrar-ul-Haq: Absolutely. Punjabi music carries its unique flavor and rhythm. What I saw in the film was a poor imitation. The dance steps lacked the vibrancy and authenticity that true Punjabi music represents. In fact, I even suggested to Salman Khan during promotions to at least attempt some genuine Punjabi moves, which would have added authenticity.
Interviewer: It sounds like you feel very strongly about your cultural representation. Why is that particularly important to you?
Abrar-ul-Haq: Music and dance are not just entertainment; they’re a reflection of our culture, our identity. When a Punjabi song is adapted poorly, it not only disrespects the original work but also misrepresents our rich heritage. Bollywood may be huge, but only a true Punjabi can deliver the soul of a Punjabi song.
Interviewer: You also hinted that you still hold the rights to the song. What does that mean for you moving forward?
Abrar-ul-Haq: I’m proud to say that I have not sold the copyrights to ‘Nach Punjaban.’ This means I have control over its use and representation. Moving forward, I hope to see my work represented in a way that truly respects its origins.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do you wish for in terms of future collaborations or adaptations of your work?
Abrar-ul-Haq: I would love to see more collaborative efforts that honor the original pieces. If Bollywood wants to embrace our music, it needs to do so with authenticity. I would be open to working together, but it has to be done right.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and insights with us today, Abrar. We appreciate your passion for music and culture.
Abrar-ul-Haq: Thank you! It was a pleasure speaking with you.
Are vital expressions of our culture. They tell stories, convey emotions, and connect us to our roots. When a song like ‘Nach Punjaban’ is taken and distorted, it not only undermines my work but also disrespects the rich traditions of Punjabi culture. It’s essential that we preserve and celebrate our identity, rather than allow it to be diluted by misinterpretations.
Interviewer: I understand that you’re planning to take legal action regarding the copyright of the song. Can you tell us more about that?
Abrar-ul-Haq: Yes, that’s correct. I have not sold the copyrights to anyone, and I will be pursuing legal action in Pakistan, the UK, and India. This time, I am seeking significant damages, specifically close to one billion rupees. It’s about protecting my work and ensuring that artists like myself are not taken advantage of.
Interviewer: In your previous work, you’ve also faced objections about your songs. How do you see the landscape of music and creativity in Pakistan in relation to that?
Abrar-ul-Haq: It’s a complicated situation. While I respect constructive criticism, sometimes the objections can feel overzealous. Music should be a platform for expression, but I understand that our cultural sensitivities need to be respected. The challenge we face is balancing artistic freedom with respect for societal norms. However, this issue with Bollywood transcends that; it’s about theft and misrepresentation.
Interviewer: What message would you like to convey to your fans and fellow artists through this situation?
Abrar-ul-Haq: I want my fans to know that I am committed to standing up for what’s right. Protecting our art and culture is crucial for future generations. I encourage all artists to be mindful of their creations and to respect each other’s work. We need to unite against any form of piracy—not just in music but across all forms of art.
Interviewer: Thank you, Abrar, for sharing your insights and feelings with us today. We wish you the best in your efforts to protect your work.
Abrar-ul-Haq: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.
