UP CM uses controversial song to express his reaction on budget

Saurabh Sharma

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav used the lyrics of controversial song 'Hymn for the weekend' of 'Coldplay' band to express his reaction on the budget presented by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday.

The song has generated controversy for hurting sentiments of Indians.

“Central budget. They are playing the same old song. Would rather listen to 'Hymn for the Weekend',” was Akhilesh’s tweet over the budget.

The Song:

Aesthetically shot across the city of dreams, Mumbai, the song ‘Hymn for the weekend’ from album ‘A head full of dreams’ features a shuttering peacock, ancient ruins and some saffron clad bearded sadhu.

It was released on January 29 last and also features Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor for just few seconds.

The controversy with the song:

• The four minute 20 second Ben Mor directed song has generated a lot of criticism on virtual platform by the social media commentators.
• The Beyonce, Chris Martin featuring song has been severely criticized for former’s appearance questioning whether or not her looks constitute cultural appropriation.
• The music video has also invited a lot of criticism for showing a deep neck top wearing model just after a scene when a couple of hijab clad girls are seen squatting in the song.

"Within hours of releasing their new music video Hymn for the Weekend, Coldplay reignited the debate on cultural appropriation that for years has pestered ignorant white people everywhere," reported 'The Guardian' on February 1 last.

Political reaction:

“Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav could not understand the budget and he might have done in confusion,” said Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Vijay Bahadur Pathak.

About Coldplay:

• Coldplay is a British rock band formed in 1996.
• Chris Martin is the lead singer and Jhonny Buckland the lead guitarist.
• They achieved worldwide fame with the release of the single album "Yellow" in 2000.