Fans Cringe Over Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde Recreating Salman Khan's 'Chunnari Chunnari'

A leaked video from the sets of the upcoming Bollywood film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai has sparked strong reactions from fans. The clip features actors Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde dancing to a remixed version of the iconic 1999 song "Chunnari Chunnari," originally performed by Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen in the film Biwi No.1. The choreography in the video is led by renowned choreographer Remo D’Souza, who guides the trio during the shoot.

As soon as the video surfaced on social media, it triggered a wave of negative reactions from fans and viewers. Many expressed their disappointment over the decision to recreate such a beloved classic. Comments on various platforms accused the filmmakers of “ruining” the original song, which holds a special place in Bollywood music history. Some fans pleaded for the trend of remixing old hits to stop, while others voiced frustration, fearing that another iconic song might lose its original charm.

“Chunnari Chunnari,” composed by Anu Malik and sung by Anuradha Sriram and Abhijeet Bhattacharya, was a chartbuster when it was released and remains a nostalgic favorite even decades later. The song’s catchy beats, vibrant music, and memorable choreography contributed to its lasting popularity among audiences. The choice to remix and recreate such a well-loved track naturally invites comparisons, and for many, the new version falls short of capturing the magic of the original.

Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by David Dhawan, is a romantic comedy featuring an ensemble cast including Chunky Panday, Mouni Roy, Rohit Saraf, and Jimmy Sheirgill, alongside Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde. Interestingly, the film’s title is inspired by a line from Biwi No.1, the movie that originally featured "Chunnari Chunnari," tying the new project to its predecessor in spirit and theme. The movie is scheduled to release on October 2, 2025, aiming to blend nostalgia with contemporary storytelling.

Despite the star-studded cast and David Dhawan’s reputation for comedy hits, the negative feedback about the song’s recreation may affect the film’s buzz ahead of its release. Whether the final version of the song in the movie will win over audiences remains to be seen. For now, this controversy highlights the challenges filmmakers face when reimagining classic Bollywood songs — balancing respect for the original with fresh creativity is a delicate task that doesn’t always satisfy fans.

In conclusion, while Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai carries the legacy of an iconic Bollywood hit, the initial reaction to its musical choices serves as a reminder of how deeply audiences cherish the originals and how cautiously filmmakers must tread when revisiting them.