After Nora Fatehi's Pachtaoge 2.0 is slammed for being a rip-off of Queen Bey's 2014 single, actor-dancer claims she turned to the works of several idols, including Madonna, Billie Eilish, for inspiration
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 17, 2020)

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But we wonder what Beyonce might have to say about Nora Fatehi's new single, the female version of Pachtaoge. After the song dropped over the weekend, Fatehi was trolled on social media following anonymous Instagram handle Diet Sabya's observation that the video is strikingly similar to the international pop star's 2014 single, Mine.

As we get in touch with the actor-dancer, she sounds surprisingly sprightly for someone in the centre of a controversy. "I felt good seeing myself in an artistic zone. We have done something different from the usual style of shooting music videos in India," says Fatehi, who also conceptualised the offering. The video, directed by Rajit Dev, aims to depict the different stages of heartbreak symbolically. "As we started working, we looked at different visuals, costumes and iconic looks of pop stars from my favourite tracks that would illustrate our concept perfectly."

Is that when she chanced upon Beyonce's Mine? "I am inspired by Beyonce, among other stars. Mine was one of the many reference points, in terms of dancers, set-up and mood. However, the outfit was inspired by Mother Mary, not her," she asserts. Incidentally, the video of Mine was inspired by Michelangelo's sculpture Pietà that depicts Jesus on the lap of Mother Mary. "We also referenced the [works] of Madonna, Billie Eilish and Zayn Malik. Billie's dark subliminal-themed offerings represent the kind of zone we wanted for this number. My second look was heavily inspired by Black Swan [2010]; it made sense to adopt that look to depict the toxic stage of heartbreak."

Even as she agrees that the songs belong to "a similar zone", Fatehi argues that Pachtaoge is novel in its choreography. "Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's new track [WAP] has the same concept as Beyonce's Haunted. That doesn't mean it was copied; it just implies that the zone and messaging are similar. I am happy if people feel [Mine and] Pachtaoge have a similar vibe. I always take inspiration from my idols and pay homage to them through my work. Here, the choreography is original as are the cinematography and the emotional storyline."


(From left) Natalie Portman in Black Swan; Nora Fatehi in the video

Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 5, 2020)

"I am a human being and I do feel bad. They say I keep crying and I’m a crybaby," says Neha Kakkar, who gets trolled for frequently breaking down on the sets of the music reality show Indian Idol that she judges. Known for her chartbusters, the singer also stresses on the power of social media, and how it was instrumental in making her a star. As she awaits the “biggest high” in her life, she shares her plans of tying the knot soon. Excerpts:

How important is it, today, for a singer to be visible?
For anybody, I feel it’s very important. If somebody wants to be famous, be it a singer or an actor, they have to be visible.

How much do you think social media has helped singers?
If I talk about myself, I would give 50% credit to social media. I started making selfie videos when nobody used to, and they got viral through social media.

What do you prefer more — playback singing, live gigs or independent music?
All three! I always want to do playback singing because I want to sing for the people I like. Live gigs are what I live for. And if we talk about non-film music, I want my songs to be picturised on me.

Earlier, reality shows were like a catalyst for budding singers. How relevant are they today?
Reality shows are the best platform to bring new talent in. I’m one of them! Many of us have come from reality shows, and we can’t blame a reality show for not being successful because they give you a platform. But, after they do so, it’s you who needs to work hard and prove your talent. Luck, of course, also matters.

You’ve been trolled on social media relentlessly. How do you deal with trolls?
Kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna... People don’t know that I feel the pain [of contestants]. I don’t want to tell the whole world, but I feel their pain so much that I help them in ways a well-to-do person can.

You’ve been part of several recreations. What are your thoughts on them?
I’m in favour of them because half of my songs are recreations. These days, people have become so negative that they will dance and listen to the same song, but would write bad about them. I don’t think recreations are bad, but we should always give credit to the original composer and lyricist. The new music composer should get credit as ‘recreated by’.

An artiste in India and the West who you want to collaborate with?
In India, I’ve collaborated with quite a few. From the ones I didn’t yet, I would like to work with Shahid Kapoor in India, and Justin Bieber and Zayn Malik in the West.

What’s the next big plan?
I want to come up with new ideas as far as music videos are concerned. I’ll keep working for all my fans who I call Nehearts. Maybe, if I find the best guy, who I feel is the right one, I’ll get married. May be this year or next year, but I would like to get married.

Well-placed sources in the organising company said they are in talks with the One Direction star for a special act
Shilpi Sampad (MID-DAY; April 3, 2017)

Canadian popstar Justin Bieber is set for his debut performance in India this May, and the organisers are not only keen to get the biggest Bollywood Beliebers to the gig, but a few international artistes too.

Well placed sources inform us that White Fox India, which will host the Grammy winner here, is in talks with British singer-songwriter Zayn Malik to come over as one of the special guests.

Recently, there were rumours of Bieber and the former One Direction star eyeing a possible collaboration given their budding camaraderie on social media. Bieber retweeted a link to Zayn’s new single from his upcoming album featuring rapper PartyNextDoor — something he has never done for anybody else.

Says an insider, “The promoters (White Fox India) are expecting a lot of international celebs at the India leg of Bieber’s Purpose Tour, Zayn being one of them. India is viewed as a hot destination by most global celebrities and this show is being planned on a grand scale.”

In fact, ticket sales for the May 10 concert at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium will be reopened from April 10 following fans’ demand. Bieber’s latest jaunt is in support of his fourth album, Purpose. So far, the organisers have approached Sonakshi Sinha to open the gig. Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra are also being considered to perform on stage.

In a survey by a UK tabloid, the actor was beaten to the No 1 spot by Zayn Malik
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; December 18, 2016)

After being touted as the third Most Handsome Man in the world in competition with Brad Pitt and Hugh Jackman, Hrithik Roshan has now made it to the list of Sexiest Asian of 2016. In the Sexiest Man of 2016 survey conducted by the London based newspaper, Eastern Eye, Hrithik has come in second place. Zayn Malik has topped the survey, surpassing other Indian actors including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh.

The actor’s look in his forthcoming film Kaabil has been widely appreciated, and according to a trade analyst that has definitely helped him clinch the second spot on this list.

Here’s who made it to the list
1. Zayn Malik
2. Hrithik Roshan
3. Fawad Khan
4. Ashish Sharma
5. Salman Khan
6. Barun Sobti
7. Shahid Kapoor
8. Vivian Dsena
9. Ali Zafar
10. Ranveer Singh

Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; May 12, 2015)

While speculation is rife about ex One Direction singer Zayn Malik venturing into Bollywood as an actor, our sources tell us that he has struck a music deal for an upcoming Hindi film. The 22-year-old is said to be collaborating with Kanika Kapoor, who crooned the chartbuster Baby Doll.

Says a source, “Kanika and Zayn are set to work on a song for an upcoming movie. They have already met to discuss the music.”

Kanika refrained from sharing any details on the rumoured collaboration. “I don’t want to comment on this right now. Whenever I have to announce anything, I will make sure that I tell you.”

A source close to her, however, confirms the development, saying: “Things are at an initial stage, but it will be big for sure.”

On quite a few occasions, Zayn has expressed his interest to step into Bollywood. At a recent awards function, the singing sensation had met Shah Rukh Khan and posted their selfie on social media. Last week, he and filmmaker Farah Khan had exchanged tweets talking about a possibility of Zayn being part of the sequel of SRK- starrer Main Hoon Na.

The internationally famous singer loves Farah Khan’s film. She thinks it’d be great to have him in one of her films
DNA (May 11, 2015)


Well, here’s how the story’s actually going to go: It’s fairly common knowledge that except for Tees Maar Khan, Farah has only worked with Shah Rukh. The two have a 100 per cent track record at the box-office between them. But given SRK’s current slate, he’s going to be busy for at least two years and won’t be able to give Farah his dates anytime soon. If MHN2 happens, it will be as late as 2017-18.

But that doesn’t mean Farah’s going to twiddle her thumbs while she waits to shoot with her favourite star. Even Karan Johar, who’d only made films with King Khan did make Student Of The Year and is making his next with Ranbir Kapoor. Farah, too will, make another film till her favourite hero gives her his dates. Till then, will she make a film with Zayn?

When asked she laughs, “He is undoubtedly very popular. When I went to London for the Asian Film Festival, he had just just split from One Direction. Everyone just kept talking about him. He is a really good looking guy. Quite cute, so why not?

It remains to be seen, if after Ali Zafar and Fawad Khan, another singer with a Pakistani father, makes his B-Town debut.

DNA (April 19, 2015)

Shah Rukh Khan flew to London to attend the fifth annual Asian Awards where he was awarded for his outstanding contribution to cinema. The actor said, “I am extremely humbled and honoured to receive this award. I say this very often that my stardom belongs to most South East Asians who reside abroad who have made the Indian cinema and me known around the world. I am glad to have been a part of such a wonderful celebration of hard work by people in difference field but similar passion.” The highlight of the night, however, was SRK bonding with former One Direction hearthrob, singer Zayn Malik. Incidentally, it was the first public appearance for the 22 year old since he quit the boy-band to lead a normal life. SRK and Zayn were spotted posing for pictures and he clicked a couple of selfies with the young singer. What’s interesting is that SRK’s daughter, Suhana is supposedly a huge fan of Zayn Malik and the selfie with the singer was clicked especially for her.

DNA (October 15, 2014)

The Bradford-born star of One Direction is said to be wanted by Indian film bosses, who are preparing to offer him the opportunity to sing and act in a movie.

A film insider told Daily Mirror, “A very big production company is putting together an offer for him to act as well as sing. He has turned down one song so far, but if the right one comes along, it could be great for him.’’
According to Bollywood’s ‘bad man’ Gulshan Grover, the 21-year-old star would be a huge success were he to appear in a Bollywood production.

He observed that there is concrete interest in getting Zayn to star in a Bollywood film or deliver a song.
Grover, 59, explained, “He has a huge fan base in India and would do really well. ‘I would be happy to guide him. I’m sure he doesn’t need help with dance moves but I would be happy to teach him how to fight on-screen.”

In 2009, Kylie Minogue was paid £800,000 for her role in a Bollywood film, the underwater action thriller Blue.