Retro Remixes-  The New Journey of Old Songs!

Today, we’ll explore films that have used remixes of old songs or introduced new twists and beats to classic lyrics. Some of these remixed tracks have been well-received by audiences, while others have faced rejection.

Sajana Ve Sajana - Vicky Vidya Ka Wo Wala Video

Recently, the film Vicky Vidya Ka Wo Wala Video, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Tripti Dimri, created quite a buzz on social media with the song “Sajana Ve Sajana.” People have been making numerous reels with this track, which features the lyrics, “Man saat samandar dol gaya, le teri ho gayi yaar sajana ve sajana.” This new version was recreated by White Noise Collective and originally comes from the 2003 film Chamelee, sung by Sunidhi Chauhan. The film also features Daler Mehndi’s popular song “Na Na Na Na Nare.”

Last year, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 grossed over 180 crores at the box office, starring Tabu, Kiara Advani, and Kartik Aaryan. Notably, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 used remixes of two songs from the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Additionally, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 will also feature these songs. Singer Dhvani Bhanushali made her acting debut in Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam, which includes songs from the older films Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi and Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi.

Many films have utilized old hit songs with minor or no alterations. Let’s take a look at some notable examples:

In Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, two old songs were featured: “Waat Jhumpka” from the 1966 film Mera Saaya, and “Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar” from Hum Dono (1961) filmed on Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi.

Shah Rukh Khan and Mahira Khan's film Raees features an item song based on “Laila Main Laila,” originally from Qurbaani, which starred Zeenat Aman.
Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt's Badrinath Ki Dulhania include “Tamma Tamma Again,” a remix of the 1990 song from Thanedaar, composed by Badshah and Tanishk Bagchi.0

The song “Har Kisi Ko Nahi Milta Yahan Pyaar Zindagi Mein,” often attributed to Akshay Kumar's Boss, actually originates from Jambaz and was used in Boss.
The 1980 film Karz features the song “Ek Haseena Thi, Ek Deewana Tha,” which was reused in the 2002 remake starring Himesh Reshammiya and Urmila Matondkar.

In Rajkummar Rao's Shrikant, the song “Papa Kehte Hain Bada Naam Karega” from Aamir Khan's Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak was used.
“Aapka Kya Hoga” from Akshay Kumar's Housefull is a remake of a song from Amitabh Bachchan’s Lawaaris.
“O Ladki Aankh Maare” in Simba is a remake of “Tere Mere Sapne” from 1996.
In Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon’s Luka Chhupi, the song “Poster Lagwa Do” is a remix of a song from the 1997 film Aflatoon.
Sushmita Sen’s web series Aarya features a song from the 1976 film Balika Vadhu as background music.
The song “Taki Oh Taki” from the 1983 film Himmatwala was sung by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle, and it was reimagined in the 2013 film starring Ajay Devgn and Tamannaah Bhatia.
In Sunny Deol's Chup, classic songs like “Kya Tune Kahi, Kya Maine Suni” and “Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye” from Kaagaz Ke Phool are used without alteration.
Ajay Devgn’s upcoming film Bholaa will feature the classic song “Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai, Aaj Phir Marne Ka Irada Hai.”

The song “O Saaki Saaki Re” from Musaafir was used in Batla House.
The song “Gali Gali Mein Phirta Hai” from KGF Chapter 1 is originally from the 1989 film Tridev.
The song “Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le” from Sadma was featured in Alia Bhatt’s film Dear Zindagi.
The song “Chalti Hai Kya 9 Se 12” from Salman Khan’s film Judwaa (1997) was used in Varun Dhawan’s Judwaa 2.

Why Are Old Songs Used in Films?

The use of old songs in films occurs for several reasons. The magic of classic melodies often feels absent in newer tracks. Older songs were crafted to be enjoyable, while today’s tracks, although visually impressive due to technology, often lack vocal depth.

Contemporary songs frequently lack depth in lyrics and robust melodies. This explains why only about 10 out of 100 songs resonate with audiences. In the past, music directors would gather musicians in the studio, asking them to play their instruments in unique ways, while now synthesizers dominate, leading to a loss of authentic sound.

It’s important to recognize that today’s singers and musicians are talented, but producers often prioritize quick results over artistic effort. Previously, lyrics were written first, with melodies crafted to match; now, melodies are composed first, and lyrics are simply fitted in.

The Inevitable Comparison

Whenever an old song is recreated, comparisons between the original and the remix arise. Kumar Sanu suggests that to avoid this, the original singer should be involved when a song is recreated, alleviating pressure from the new artist. It’s also ethically right for the original singer, lyricist, and composer to receive credit for the song's success.

Anu Malik emphasizes the need to respect original composers by giving them credit in remixes. Samir mentions that strict rules are being developed for recreations, urging those recreating songs not to alter the original lyrics.

By Priyanka Yadav

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