Home Flashbox

Roy Takes Aim at Development Politics With ‘Paisa Fake’

The latest song from the New Delhi hip-hop artist's 'Herock' project is also produced by Dub Sharma

Published by

With their third release from the upcoming debut album Herock, rapper Sumit Roy and producer Dub Sharma offer a cheeky yet unsparing look at corruption, greed and more on “Paisa Fake.” 

Roy describes the song as “a realisation to be able to see through the dust. Our governments, banks and corporations are always on a flight to development, but they never land. It is all but an illusion.” Picking apart government schemes including the demonetization debacle in 2016 and surveillance via Aadhar cards, Roy calls the track an “unfiltered warning” about the fickleness of money and power. 

In the music video directed by filmmaker and photographer Nitish Kanjilal, there’s thuggery, forgery and everything in between that puts “Paisa Fake” in the narrative territory of a Bollywood film of yore. Roy, in possession of a “magic pencil” which can create notes, draws ironic parallels to scams and political apathy in the video. It offers a brief detour into another upcoming Roy release, called “Sab Jagmag.” 

The song follows singles from Herock such as “Baari Hamaari” and “Chowkidaar” (whose music video was directed by Kolkata filmmaker Q), all of which feature staunch criticism while advocating for fundamental freedoms and an impending turning of tides. 

Watch the video for “Paisa Fake” below. Hear the track on Apple Music, Spotify and JioSaavn.

 

Recent Posts

Jazz Corner: A Women’s Day Salute to the Remarkable Indian Jazz Vocalists

From Pam Crain and Asha Puthli to Usha Uthup, Vasundhara Vee and more

March 7, 2025

AleXa’s Debut English Album ‘Sugarcoat’ Is Here

“I hope listeners can relate to it and find their own stories within the lyrics.”—AleXa

March 7, 2025

Universal Music India Marks Women’s Day By Jamming to Sia’s ‘Titanium’

Major music label’s chairman Devraj Sanyal hosted women colleagues as part of his series Fridays…

March 7, 2025

You Can Now Shred to Within Ceres Songs in a Video Game

‘Rocksmith+’ adds three songs by the Goan metal band, making them the second Indian act…

March 7, 2025

8 Times Green Day Proved They’re Still Punk As Ever

Smashing guitars, calling out politicians, and refusing to sell out — Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike…

March 7, 2025

Leo Grewal Announces New Album ‘Leonization’

Punjabi artist and ‘Breakup Party’ hitmaker has shoutouts from Yo Yo Honey Singh and Diljit…

March 7, 2025