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Priyanka Chopra’s ‘Desi’ Take on ‘Last Christmas’ Triggers Viral Backlash Ahead of Christmas Karma Release

Viral criticism over vocal processing, translation choices, authenticity puts the film’s multicultural soundtrack in the spotlight.

Overview

  • Chopra’s bilingual rendition of Wham!’s 1984 classic is out now from the Christmas Karma soundtrack, with the film opening Nov. 14 in the UK, Ireland and US, and Dec. 12 in India.
  • Gurinder Chadha said George Michael’s estate approved the reinterpretation and noted Chopra agreed to record the track after a single call.
  • Social posts show sharply critical reactions citing heavy auto‑tune, awkward lip‑sync and even AI speculation, alongside pockets of support for the cross‑cultural experiment.
  • Chopra posted an Instagram Story reading “So many people have inspired me to be nothing like them,” which outlets framed as a subtle response to detractors.
  • The soundtrack features global contributors including Gary Barlow, Billy Porter, Nitin Sawhney, Shaznay Lewis, Pixie Lott and Boy George, underscoring the film’s East–West musical blend.