Shah Rukh Khan-Deepika Padukone's Pathaan song Besharam Rang Controversy: What's it about and who said what

The first song from the much awaited Pathaan movie, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, was recently released by Yash Raj Films, and it immediately went viral online, though perhaps not for the best reasons. Besharam Rang has sparked a fiery controversy, with Deepika Padukone in the centre of it all. Here’s what you should know about it.

While Deepika and Shah Rukh appear extremely stunning in the song, which has a catchy rhythm with Shilpa Rao's lovely voice that wonderfully complements Vishal and Shekhar's soundtrack, the choreography of the song and Deepika's attire, notably a saffron-colored bikini, is drawing mockery. It seems that some people's religious sentiments are being offended by the decision of makers for choosing a saffron-colored bikini for the actress. These folks are offended by the song's title, which loosely translates to "shameless colour," since they associate it with the saffron outfit Deepika is wearing in the music video.

Narottam Mishra, the home minister for Madhya Pradesh, had earlier threatened to outlaw Pathaan in his home state if the costumes and offensive sequences were not changed. He stated in a video that he would consider releasing the action comedy in Madhya Pradesh if the demands are satisfied.

There have been controversy to have the song removed from the Pathaan movie due to the uproar. Even a written complaint for the same has been submitted by an advocate to the Information & Broadcasting Ministry. Adv Vineet Jindal tweeted about the same saying, "@vineetJindal19 filed written complaint with I&B ministry office of @ianuragthakur to seeking ban on song #BesharamRang in movie patan for vulgarity while warning Saffron color and lyrics of song and request to take legal action against #ShahRukhKhan & #DeepikaPadukone."

A few disturbing calls for violence against movie theatres have also been made, although thankfully they have been in the minority so far. On the other hand, many individuals have defended the song, Deepika Padukone, and the movie Pathaan by labelling the debate as unimportant and silly. A few celebrities have also come out for support for Shah Rukh Khan and the film in this entire controversy. 

Prakash Raj took to Twitter to support SRK and Deepika. He wrote, " Disgusting … How long should we tolerate these ..Colour Blind #AndhBhakts .. #justasking."

SRK starrer Raees director Rahul Dholakia also has extended his support. His tweet read: "The hate attack (for years now) on @iamsrk should be condemned by one and all in the film industry. SRK has contributed more to our fraternity and India as an ambassador of entertainment & cinema ; than most people have. Please tell these bigots with idiotic theories to Shut Up!"

Swara Bhaker also came out in support of Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan in this. She tweeted, "Miliye humare desh ke sattadhari netaon se. Abhinetriyon ke kapde dekhne se fursat milti, to kya pata kuch kar bhi lete (Meet our country's leaders in power. They may have done some work, had they had some time left after oggling at actor's dresses)."

After Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, and War, Siddharth Anand's Pathaan is the fourth film in the YRF Spy Universe. Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone portray the major protagonists while John Abraham plays the primary antagonist in the movie. Hrithik Roshan and Salman Khan will both make cameo appearances in the movie, reportedly recreating their roles from War and the Tiger.