Catholic community incensed over Rahman's 'Hosanna'

The Catholic-Christian Secular Forum (CSF) representing the interests of catholic community incensed over A R Rahman's song “Hosanna” in a yet-to-be-released Hindi movie Ek Deewana Tha, made by south Indian director Gautham Menon, has dashed off a letter to the Censor Board, expressing objection over the use of Hebrew liturgy being bandied “cheaply and in a gross manner.”

The organisation awaiting a reply from the Censor Board for the film slated for February 17 release, is already in the process of moving the Bombay High Court in case if the board fails to rectify the error.

The petition if moved will have Censor Board, music director Rahman, lyrics writer Javed Akhtar, vocalists, actors and film producers as respondents in the case. The film is a remake of Tamil film Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, stars Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson with vocals by Leon D'Souza, Suzanne D'Mello, Blaaze, Vivek Agarwal, Dr. Narayan, V V Prasanna and Haircharan Sesh.

Talking to Deccan Herald, CSF General Secretary Joseph Dias said: “We have expressed our displeasure to Rahman, Javed Akhtar, Fox Star Studio, Sony Music and all the members concerned with the making of film. But so far they have not replied.

“Without going into the merits or demerits of the lyrics or picturisation of the song which incidentally is extremely lewd and lurid; we just want to point out that internationally “Hosanna”, is used by both Jews and Christians during prayers in adoration of God or Jesus Christ,” said Dias.

The CSF apart from demanding an apology for trivialising the Hebrew word referring to salvation, has asked the withdrawal of song.

Advocate Jameshed Mistry who is in the process of preparing the petition said: “ It is sad that film-makers in India do not have an iota of knowledge of serious liturgical words.”