Canadian-Indian actor Lisa Ray has expressed her desire to be free from her association with the iconic Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan song “Afreen Afreen.” The song, a fusion of indie pop and ghazal music, was released in 1996 and featured Ray in its music video.
In a recent interview, Ray revealed that she feels uncomfortable whenever the song is played as part of her introduction at public events. She said that while she understands the song’s popularity and cultural significance, she would like to move on from it and not be solely defined by her appearance in the music video.
Ray stated that she was a model at the time the video was shot and did not have any say in the creative process of the song or its video. She said that while she appreciates the opportunity that the song gave her and the exposure it brought, she does not want to be constantly associated with it.
The actor further added that she is grateful for the positive experiences and opportunities that have come her way but wants to be recognized for her own work and accomplishments. She hopes to be remembered for her contributions to Indian cinema and her advocacy work for cancer awareness and other social causes.
Ray’s comments have sparked a debate on social media, with many expressing their support for her desire to move on from her association with the song. However, some have criticized her for being ungrateful and not acknowledging the role that the song played in launching her career.
Despite the mixed reactions, Ray’s statement highlights an important issue of how artists are often defined by one particular work or project, which can overshadow their other accomplishments. It is crucial for individuals to be recognized for their contributions to their respective fields and not just their association with a particular project or work.
Lisa Ray’s desire to move on from her association with the song “Afreen Afreen” is a reflection of the need for individuals to be recognized for their own work and achievements. While the song played an important role in launching her career, Ray hopes to be remembered for her contributions to Indian cinema and her advocacy work for cancer awareness and other social causes.