Abhijeet Bhattacharya Reacts to 'Chunari Chunari' Remake in Varun Dhawan’s Film: "Makers Ki Himmat Nahi"

Veteran Bollywood playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has strongly criticized the remake of his popular 1999 song Chunari Chunari, featured in the upcoming film Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, starring Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur. The singer expressed his disappointment and frustration at not being informed or consulted before the remake was created.

In an exclusive interview, Abhijeet said bluntly, “Mujhe music composer, film ke director kisi ne nahi bataya ki iss song ko remake kiya jaa raha hai. Himmat bhi nahi kar sakte batane ki.” His reaction clearly reflected his disapproval, not only because he wasn’t involved but also due to what he sees as a lack of originality in the industry today.

Interestingly, the singer confessed that Chunari Chunari, although immensely popular, was never one of his personal favorites. He revealed that it was just another song to him—one that he recorded quickly and moved on from. “It was one of those ‘jaldi gaao aur bhaago studio se’ songs,” he said, suggesting that the song didn’t hold deep artistic meaning for him at the time.

Despite his personal detachment, the song has remained iconic and continues to be a party staple more than two decades after its release. Its catchy rhythm and energetic beats have kept it alive in the hearts of music lovers across generations. However, Abhijeet believes that the value of the original often gets overshadowed in the rush to remake and modernize. “In the market, copies are sold more than the original. Only great people know the value of the original,” he added.

The remake of Chunari Chunari has also drawn backlash from fans. Videos and pictures from the shoot in London went viral on social media, where many users expressed displeasure at yet another classic being remade. The reaction was filled with nostalgia and frustration, with fans asking filmmakers to leave legendary songs untouched.

This incident once again brings attention to a recurring debate in Bollywood: the trend of remaking old songs. While some argue that these remakes help reintroduce classic music to younger audiences, others—including many original artists—see it as a disrespectful and lazy approach that ignores the creative depth and emotional resonance of the original versions.

Abhijeet’s strong reaction sheds light on the emotional and professional disconnect many original creators feel when their work is reused without acknowledgment. His criticism isn't just about being left out; it's a broader commentary on the diminishing value placed on originality and the habit of relying on past successes instead of creating new musical milestones.

As Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai prepares for its release, the remake controversy has already sparked conversations about artistic integrity, credit, and the importance of respecting the legacy of music in Indian cinema.