A controversy has emerged in India’s Odisha state after a Class 8 textbook reportedly included lyrics from the Bollywood song “Nimbooda Nimbooda”, originally featured in the 1999 film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam starring Aishwarya Rai.

The issue has triggered widespread debate after pages from the textbook circulated on social media, with parents, teachers and education experts questioning the inclusion of film songs in academic material. The Class 8 textbook Bollywood song controversy has also raised concerns over curriculum design and content review standards.

According to Indian media reports, the song was included in an Art Education textbook developed under the National Education Policy 2020 framework. It was reportedly presented as a Rajasthani folk song, despite its origin in a Bollywood film. Another film song, “Rind Posh Maal” from Mission Kashmir, has also been included in the same textbook.

The controversy intensified after reports claimed the new textbooks contained over 1,600 errors, prompting criticism of the state’s education authorities.

Following public backlash, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Education Minister Nityanand Gond ordered action against officials of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), including suspensions and an inquiry into lapses in textbook preparation.

Authorities have also announced the formation of a review committee to improve quality control and prevent similar issues in future educational material.

Also Read : Why is Seharr Hashmi being called ‘Pakistan’s Emraan Hashmi’? Social media debate grows