The female version of Bhushan Kumar's single Pachtaoge featuring Nora Fatehi released on August 13, 2020. Days later, Diet Sabya, the infamous anonymous Instagram handle, was quick to identify striking similarities between Nora's video and Beyonce's 2014 single, Mine. Sharing a comparison video on Instagram, Diet Sabya trolled the actress for stealing from Queen Bey. During a recent interview with a leading daily, Nora addressed the trolling and said the team looked at different pop stars and their looks when they started working on the Pachtaoge female version. She further admitted that she was inspired by Beyonce and other stars. Stating that her outfit was inspired by Mother Mary and not Beyonce, Nora added that works of Madonna, Billie Eilish and Zayn Malik served as reference. Pachtaoge female version held a mirror to different stages of heartbreak.
"As we started working, we looked at different visuals, costumes and iconic looks of pop stars from my favourite tracks that would illustrate our concept perfectly. I am inspired by Beyonce, among other stars. Mine was one of the many reference points, in terms of dancers, set-up and mood. However, the outfit was inspired by Mother Mary, not her. We also referenced the works of Madonna, Billie Eilish and Zayn Malik. Billie's dark subliminal-themed offerings represent the kind of zone we wanted for this number. My second look was heavily inspired by Black Swan [2010]; it made sense to adopt that look to depict the toxic stage of heartbreak," Nora told.
Defending the single, Nora said the choreography along with cinematography and the storyline are original. "Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's new track [WAP] has the same concept as Beyonce's Haunted. That doesn't mean it was copied; it just implies that the zone and messaging are similar. I am happy if people feel Mine and Pachtaoge have a similar vibe. I always take inspiration from my idols and pay homage to them through my work. Here, the choreography is original as are the cinematography and the emotional storyline," Nora added.
(Source: Mid-Day/Diet Sabya)
