Coimbatore: Tamil film actor R Silambarasan alias Simbu and young music composer Anirudh Ravichander may be in for more trouble as the Coimbatore city police have issued summons asking them to appear on December 19.
The duo has been accused of projecting women in an indecent manner in their ‘Beep’ song. A police team from Race Course station reached Simbu’s home in South Boag road in T. Nagar on Monday but he was not at home. The police then handed over the summons to the actor’s father T. Rajendar asking Simbu to appear before the Race Course police on Saturday. The police however could not trace the house of music composer Anirudh.
“We could not identify Anirudh’s house and a search is on,” said a cop attached to the Race Course police station. As women’s organisations were rising in protest for indecent representation of women in their ‘Beep’ song, both the actor and the music composer have gone on the defensive.
Anirudh, who had gone abroad for a music concert, had denied composing the song while actor Simbu had claimed the song was meant for private consumption only and that the music was leaked. Simbu’s father claimed the song was stolen and interpolated offensive words into it.
A case had been registered against them at Race Course police station under sections IV, read with VI of the Indecent Representation of Women Act; 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman) of the IPC and 67 (punishment for publishing or obscene material in electronic form) of the Information Technology Act based on a complaint by All India Democratic Women’s Association.
Mixed reactions on social media
Social media was rife with comments and reactions to the beep song controversy. Actor Simbu and music composer Anirudh have given statements to pacify audience angered by the lyrics. Though they earned backlash from a section of society, some have voiced support for the actor-music director duo.
Some people on Twiiter have taken the lyrics in jest, and have claimed that the lyrics are one of the best in recent times. One tweets said: So, ppl are offended by the #BeepSong? Like all other songs by other stars in Tamil have been praising women so far? Hilarious really.”
Others have opposed the controversy claiming it to be ‘just a song,’ and suggesting that people should hear it only if they want to. A tweet read: “Unnecessarily creating a scene over #BeepSong It’s just a song. If you don’t like it, don’t hear it.” Some people asked Simbu not to mix his personal life with entertainment to create such songs.
Anirudh’s statement that he has the highest regard for women has been questioned by some on Twitter, who are certain that the song has been directed by him and performed by Simbu. Facebook was also filled with memes making fun of the duo’s plight.
Women’s groups go to CoP against ‘beep’ song
Various women welfare and feminist groups approached the commissioner’s office on Monday to file complaints against actor Simbu and music composer Anirudh for penning “derogatory” lyrics for a song abusing women.
The groups were especially offended by the fact that the song is coming out at a time when crimes against women are on a steady rise. Kalaichelvi, president of the Tamil Nadu women protection committee, said the situation was more disheartening as both the singers come from well to do and reputed families and still engage in such cheap activity.
“They are both educated and understand the situation with women, so it is difficult to understand how they could even think about coming up with such vulgar lyrics.”
Kalaichelvi also pointed out that while three-fourth of the city had been submerged in water and all Chennai residents were undergoing so much pain and loss, to release a song of such standard at this particular time was insensitive. “Other actors are at least coming out and helping, while this duo seems to be sitting and composing offensive songs,” she added.
Another group that filed a complaint was a college student and young professionals group, ‘Sound for gender equality’. They said as feminists they were offended by lyrics and wanted strict action to be taken against the artistes. “They do not have the right to say whatever they want to and disrespect women in such a cheap way. We hope that effective steps are taken immediately by the police,” said Tamilvanan.
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