Coldplay is out with a new song “Hymn for the weekend”, and the British rock band has splashed myriad hues of Indian culture in it with both Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor and international pop icon Beyonce Knowles sporting creations by Indian designers.
The song is for their album “A Head Full of Dreams”. The video of the much hyped song seems to be a leaf out of a book on India, with Beyonce as a glamorous Bollywood diva and Sonam walking among ruins in an ethnic attire.
It also gives a sneak-peak into Indian classical dance forms, and features Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin enjoying touristy things — from exploring India with a ride in a ‘black and yellow’ taxi, and even in a boat on a ghat, to celebrating the festival of colours in Mumbai.
The Video
Beyonce Wears Indian Designers’ Creation
International pop star Beyonce Knowles looks exquisite in a creation by ace Indian designer duo Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla in British rock Coldplay’s latest music video “Hymn For The Weekend”, which also features Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor in designer Mayyur Girotra’s outfit.
ALSO READ: Sonam And Beyonce To Feature In ‘Coldplay’ Video
Abu Jani told IANS: “We are beyond thrilled, pinching ourselves and wondering, is it real? Thirtry years into the business and we’re behaving like star struck kids, gobsmacked by Beyonce and pumped up with excitement. A truly wonderful moment for both of us and Team Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla.”
Sandeep Khosla of the designer duo posted an image of Beyonce from the video on Instagram and attached multiple hashtags with it.
“The #queen #it’s #beyonce #couture #abujanisandeepkhosla #janikhosla #speechless #fabulous #india #fantastique #instastar #instalove #instaluxe #instadiva #abusandeep #original #always #thenew #coldplay #video,” he wrote.
Beyonce Faces Criticism For Wearing Sari
At one point, the locals watch Knowles through a cinema box and in a wide-screen cinema. She sports two costumes in the film, one that shows her cleavage and the other that shows her in a sari and intricate jewellery.
However, some people are offended that Knowles was wearing a traditional headscarf that’s supposed to represent a woman’s level of humility.
“The Coldplay video is beauty. It’s artistic and stunning. But Beyonce wearing ‘Indian style’ jewellery and clothes is not okay,” one user wrote on Twitter.
Another commented: “Yikes that video with Coldplay and Beyonce is so disappointing… why can’t they film without appropriating culture.”
Coldplay Video Sparks Twitter Debate
The new video has sparked a debate on its Indian inspiration. The video became a topic of debate among the Twitterati, with some calling it a “stereotypical” portrayal of the country.
While some slammed the video for cultural appropriation, others defended the Mumbai-shot video calling it as an appreciation of the foreign culture, reports billboard.com.
Detractors took aim at both Coldplay band — comprising Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion, and Beyoncé on Twitter.
While Beyonce’s appearance dressed up as a Bollywood star faced a backlash, some pointed out that this isn’t the first time Coldplay has ‘used or misused’ Asian culture in its videos.
“Hymn for the weekend” is the latest single from the band’s new album “A Head Full of Dreams”. The video of the much hyped song seems to be a leaf out of a book on India, with Beyonce as a glamorous Bollywood diva and Sonam walking among ruins in an ethnic attire.
It also gives a sneak-peak into Indian classical dance forms, and features Coldplay’s frontman Martin enjoying touristy things — from exploring India with a ride in a ‘black and yellow’ taxi, and even in a boat on a ghat, to celebrating the festival of colours in Mumbai.
The debate saw posts from various Twitter followers.
A user wrote: “Just because it’s Beyoncé, doesn’t mean she’s right. She is being offensive and appropriating our culture”, another user posted: “Cultural appropriation is about power structures just as with racism. How is Beyoncé, a black woman, offensively appropriating? ”
The video captures the essence of Mumbai, which is also known as the city of dreams, with visuals from its streets. The clip has been directed by Ben Mor. The Bollywood actress and international pop icon Beyonce are sporting creations by Indian designers.
Beyonce has also put henna on her hands and sports an ethnic outfit and jewellery.
“No thanks for the bundle of stereotypes @coldplay. No wonder then that India will be known as the country of snake charmers & sadhus,” a Twitter user posted.
Calling it another “Slumdog Millionaire” one user tweeted, “Coldplay’s new video “Hymn For The Weekend” looks like ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ had a holi sequence.”
Another user said: [email protected] don’t exoticize us. You’ve been to the clubs and everything. Why do you want to make it seem like all we do is dance in the streets.”
However, there were praises as well. One user said: “Beyoncé showed India in many ways and made it look beautiful and lovely. She portrayed India excellently. As an Indian, I loved it”, another posted: “All this ‘cultural appropriation’ talk. If anything, the video showcases the beauty of India. No need for all the drama,” one user tweeted in support.