IANS

Mumbai, May 22: Singer-composer Himesh Reshammiya is in trouble...again! This time it's over objections to the words "asalaam walequm" in a song in his debut film "Aap Ka Suroor".

"I'm here to entertain people. I'm starring in my first film and hopefully it will be liked. I'm not here to hurt any community or religion's sentiments," Himesh said.

"The words 'Dua karoon sajda karoon, yehi main kahoon, 'asalaam walequm', are sung by my character at a music concert. It's his way of saying 'god bless you'. There're no negative connotations at all. 'Asalaam walequm' has been used in a very positive spirit. I'm the film's main lead, the singer and the composer. So it's my responsibility to make sure I offend nobody."

A section of people have objected to the words being used in places of pleasure.

"I am being asked how I can stop the song from being played at discotheques. All I can say is, the destiny of a song and the places it's taken to is in nobody's hands.

"For the rest, all I can say is I can never be guilty of insulting anybody. How do I keep getting into these controversies, you tell me! If my song 'Jhalak dikhla ja' can be accused of inciting ghosts, then anything can happen."

There's also the matter with Asha Bhosle. He was seen crossing swords with her on Zee's "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa" programme.

"No. Only the promos have been cut to make it seem like we're fighting. I've made peace with her. She has also sung a duet with me for my film."