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OLD SONGS IN NEW AVATAR STRIKE GOLD
Four such hits out so far in 2017 will be joined by many more in forthcoming films
What’s common to Kaabil, Raees, OK Jaanu, and Badrinath Ki Dulhania? All these films, recent and coming releases, feature songs remade from superhit Bollywood numbers from the ’80s and ’90s.
Song remakes are the flavour of the season. Joining the league of Haseeno Ka Deewana (from Yaarana, 1981), Laila Mein Laila (from Qurbani, 1980), Humma Humma (from Bombay, 1995), and Tamma Tamma (from Thanedaar, 1990) is the megahit Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast (from Mohra, 1994), to be recreated for the next thriller, titled Machine, from director duo AbbasMustan. Also, filmmaker David Dhawan is bringing back two tracks, Oonchi Hai Building and Tan Tana Tan, from Judwaa (1997) for the sequel to that comedy.
Composer Tanishk Bagchi, who has revived Humma Humma and Tamma Tamma, feels that the trend is here to stay. “If there’s a requirement in the film, why not do it? But it should be done with good intentions,” he says. “When I work on such a track, I always use new sounds and groove. For Tamma Tamma, I used some rap by Badshah.”
Bagchi recalls with delight that the original composers, AR Rahman and Bappi Lahiri, appreciated his work.
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta shares that Haseeno Ka Deewana did much better than the other tracks in Kaabil. He says, “We have a new generation that isn’t aware of these wonderful old numbers. So why not give them a repackaged version? They’re loving it.”
Amitabh Bhattacharya, a National Award-winning lyricist, is wary of remakes. “These songs are generating business. But personally, I’d rather have a fresh track.”
Singer-songwriter Sona Mohapatra also feels, “Original music is always more interesting.”
We have a new generation that isn’t aware of these old numbers. So why not give them a repackaged version? SANJAY GUPTA, FILMMAKER