Assam Folk Artists Criticize Jubin Nautiyal’s “Dotara,” Here’s Why

Guwahati: Goalpariya folk artists from all over Assam have sharply criticized the recently released song “Dotara” for inaccurately portraying the state’s culture and custom.

Bollywood singers Jubin Nautiyal and Payal Dev perform the tune, which was created by Bhushan Kumar. It should be noted that the song’s music video, which stars Mouni Roy and Jubin Nautiyal, was unveiled on March 21 (Tuesday).

Speaking about the song, Assamese folk musicians asserted that its creators had harmed Goalporiya folk components and Pratima Barua Pandey’s timeless composition.

Speaking to media persons, folk musician Joba Chakraborty said, “The entire incident is very shameful. The song has wrongly portrayed Pratima Barua Pandey’s amazing creation ‘Komola Sundori Nache’. After the song was released on YouTube, I heard that Singer Jubin Nautiyal claimed the song is his creation. We cannot tolerate this and if needed we will protest against this. Not just the lyrics, the dress and presentation of the song are also quite obscene.”

Another Goalpara resident asserted that it is unacceptable to create music using the works of other musicians.

He said, “We demand that the song is banned immediately. It has hurt our sentiments and is an insult to our culture and traditions. It is the role of everyone and not just one person in society to protest against this heinous act. As an artist, you should create your own music and not copy what others have already created.”

Notably, Mouni Roy moves to the music while Jubin Nautiyal sings along with her in the music video. The single “Genda Phool” by Badshah and Jacqueline Fernandez, which is also sung by Payal Dev, has a similar vibe to the video. Both tracks’ remixes feature elements of Bengali folk culture.

Rapper Badshah was accused of stealing Ratan Kahar’s Bengali folk song “Borlok er Bitilo” from the year 2020 in his single “Genda Phool,” which featured Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez.