Actor Vijay Deverakonda’s singing debut didn’t quite go the way the he expected. Soon after the song "What the F" was released on YouTube, it was pulled down by the makers of Geetha Govindam. The reason for the song being removed isn’t clear, but the song did receive a negative response from the audience. Many trolled the actor for his poor singing.
However, the actor claimed that the song was removed following objections from women’s organisations.
The Arjun Reddy actor told new agency IANS, “I don’t think we meant to hurt anyone’s sentiments. It was just meant to be a fun song, and not meant to make any statement. The song is not vital to the film. We could change the lyrics,” he had said.
As promised, a change has been made to the song—just a minor one, the lyrics has been replaced with ‘What the Life’ instead of ‘What the F’.
The rest of the lyrics for the ‘soup song’, which is as sexist as they come, have been retained.
The filmmakers, now, are on a talent hunt to give a chance to a new singer, who will sing the song and replace Vijay Deverakonda's voice.
Taking to Twitter, the actor made the announcement and released a karaoke version of the song along with the lyrics. He wrote: “It’s time to launch a new singer. You send me your versions, me and my team will select a voice to replace mine.”
It's launch a new singer time :)
— Vijay Deverakonda (@TheDeverakonda) July 30, 2018
Here's the Karaoke version of #WhatTheLife.
You send me your versions, me and my team will select a voice to replace mine in #GeethaGovindam.https://t.co/Tb5h5EjikQ
Strangely, the lyrics shared by the actor, still reads ‘What the F’ as the hook line.
Ee manobhaavala friendly lyrics padandi. I've convinced @GeethaArts and my director. Check out the video of the song to see the super fun energy and frustration. @SangeethaMobile will also be giving away an iPhone to the winner. Have fun Boys :) https://t.co/ct7pLonZBU pic.twitter.com/of2BcEbgAN
— Vijay Deverakonda (@TheDeverakonda) July 30, 2018
The actor asked male singers to sing the song and send their recordings by August 3. According to the actor, the best voice would be chosen and the final song will be released on August 15.
The poor singing debut has reportedly hurt the actor and he has said that he was ‘’little put off and may not sing again.”
“I just decided to do it for kicks. If I am a singer at all, this is the best I could do. I know I have a limited range. And unless I take singing lessons, I doubt I can do better than this,” he had told IANS.
Geetha Govindam starring Vijay Deverakonda and Kannada actor Rashmika Mandanna is being directed by Parasuram. The producer for the film is Bunny Vas, who had earlier produced Naa Peru Surya. Music for the film is by Gopi Sundar, who has previously scored music for Premam (Telugu) and Oopiri.