Our Bureau
Mumbai
Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has hit out at the remake of the 1999 hit “Chunnari Chunnari,” which features in Varun Dhawan’s upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. In simple words, the veteran singer said the new version does not match the value of the original song and argued that Varun Dhawan cannot become Salman Khan through this track.
Bhattacharya, who sang the original song with Anuradha Sriram, said he was not informed about the remake by either the composer or the film’s director. He also made it clear that he was not upset about being left out, saying he was actually relieved that he was not involved in the recreation.
The singer’s comments have now added fresh controversy around the song, which is being used in Varun Dhawan’s film. Bhattacharya said the original “Chunnari Chunnari” was a major song in Salman Khan’s career and pointed out that old hits should not be reused lightly. He also criticised Varun Dhawan’s film choices, calling them “second-hand” and saying the actor often relies on old songs and familiar ideas.
Bhattacharya went a step further and said the remake now sounds more like a “bhajan,” showing how strongly he feels about the new version. His remarks have reignited debate over Bollywood’s long-running habit of reviving classic songs, especially when the original singers are not involved in the process.
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is the film where the recreated song appears, and the track has already become one of the most talked-about parts of the project. The original “Chunnari Chunnari” remains closely associated with Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor and Sushmita Sen from Biwi No. 1.
