Speaking exclusively to ETimes, Muntashir said, “Those making these allegations should kindly check the video which has been uploaded many months after the release of our film, ‘Kesari’. And for your kind information the singer is not Pakistani but our very own Indian folk singer Geeta Rabari. You can call and check with her, too.”
Muntashir added that he knows Rabari personally and she’s always maintained a reverence around his creations. He said, “Geetaji has always appreciated my work and you can even ask her.”
We reminded Muntashir that detractors have levelled allegations not just around Teri Mitti, they’ve also alleged plagiarism of other songs and poems, too. Also, social media is abuzz with lots of criticism of his creations. We asked Muntashir about the reason why suddenly so many claims have cropped up against him and he said, “People are attacking me because of the video I made on the Mughals where I have used strong words against them, referring to them as glorified dacoits.”
With a fit of sarcasm he also added, “If my YouTube videos and retelling of correct history upsets someone, they are most welcome to reason with me. But don’t disrespect a song that has become an anthem for the armed forces. It’s not acceptable.”
Seething with anger he finally declared, “If it is proved that Teri Mitti is a copy of any song whatsoever, I will quit writing for ever.”
