'Khaali Peeli' director slams those calling his song on Beyonce 'racist'

Indian director Maqbool Khan has come forth to defend himself after intense backlash over his film Khaali Peeli’s latest song.

The filmmaker explained the use of the word ‘goriya’ in the Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter-starrer’s song titled Beyonce Sharma Jayegi.

“First, without any hesitation or excuses we want to apologise to anyone offended. We assure you that the lyric in question was never intended racially. In fact, the term ‘goriya’ has been so often and traditionally used in Indian songs to address a girl, that it didn’t occur to any of us to interpret it in the literal manner,” he was quoted saying by Hindustan Times.

“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/performance is worth comparing to even 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,” he added.

Lyricist of the song, Kumaar also defended his track, saying: “Goriya as a word has been used in many Hindi songs earlier. Our idea was to simply use a synonym to ‘girl’. There is no derogation intended - we revere beauty of global celebrity Beyoncé and don’t mean to hurt any of her fans.”