Lata Mangeshkar wants to know why nobody approaches the original singers and music directors for their permission.
For Total Dhamaal, the makers have added a remake of the 1978 classic song Mungda, picturised on Sonakshi Sinha. The original song featured Helen and was sung by Usha Mangeshkar. While the song (remake) has failed to create a buzz, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar is upset that no one is seeking their permission to remake their songs.
“We are not asked if we approve or not. No one seeks our consent before using our songs. Is that right?” says Lata Mangeshkar.
Even the original music composer and singer are not happy with the remake.
Mungda music director Rajesh Roshan says there is less of inspiration and more of perspiration in the music industry, and feels filmmakers have lost confidence in creating new songs.
Usha Mangeshkar, the original singer says, “Our songs were created after a great deal of thought and they were done with sensitivity and care. To rip them off in this arbitrary manner is not correct.”
Total Dhamaal director Indra Kumar however defended their decision and clarified that songs can be remade without the permission of the original singers and music directors because the rights belong to the music label.
Indra Kumar cited the example of Rohit Shetty saying Neend Churayi Meri was remade for Golmaal Again and no one came to him for approval (Neend Churayi Meri first featured in 1997 Indra Kumar’s film Ishq).
While music composers are cautious with their remixed versions, audiences currently are lapping up remixed songs like anything (although most youngsters are not even aware that some of these songs are remixes). The producers, on the other hand, are laughing their way to the bank as most of these songs end up becoming hits.
The ‘remix culture’ was on a high after success of remixes of ‘kaanta laga’ and ‘chadti jawani’. It went on for a year or so before subsiding.
For a long time afterwards, Bollywood was happy churning out originals (although the songs had a smaller shelf life). But then the industry was happy with the originals.
However, things seem to have changed again (in the music space), remixes (recreations or whatever they call it) are making a comeback. And almost every producer wants to ride the trend. No wonder you see a rehashed/remixed song in every other movie.
Haseeno Ka Deewana (Kaabil), Laila Main Laila (Raees), Humma Humma (Ok Jaanu), Tu Cheez Badi (Machine), Tamma Tamma Again (Badrinath Ki Dulhania), Dilbar Dilbar (Satyamev Jayate) are some of the remixes that have been used in Bollywood movies in the last few months.
Veteran singer Anuradha Paudwal, who sang the original Tamma Tamma, is livid with the trend and says that people nowadays make and sell trash.
“Earlier, I used to get upset with the way these remixes were done. They took away the essence and soul of the original songs. Gaane vidhwansak ho gaye hain (songs have a destructive tone nowadays). But now, I realise that this is how the newer generation expresses love. I wonder how they still appreciate Sufi music, which is so soulful,” says Paudwal.
“I stopped singing for Bollywood when I was at the peak of my career. I gave it my best, but then decided to pursue my passion — devotional music. Moreover, I don’t identify with today’s film music. That’s why I stay away from it,” Anuradha Paudwal.
Several famous music composers have expressed their displeasure on remixes. “Besides being remixed in bad taste, some composers don’t even bother to obtain the official rights legally,” revealed a music composer.
Many composers also agree that the burden of remaking a classic is huge, as the effort could easily backfire.
- “We tried to stay true to Panchamda’s style while giving it a modern twist,” Vishal Shekhar on the Bachna Ae Haseeno remix, the song went on to become a hit and the composers did not face any criticism.
- Tampering too much with classics is unforgivable. That’s why remixes don’t sell as much these days. It’s always good to retain the original flavour,” Bappi Lahiri
- When the remixed version of Dum Maaro Dum was released, Asha Bhosle didn’t like the remixed version even a bit. Although the remixed version (sung by Anushka Manchanda) was getting good reviews, Asha Bhosle felt the song was trash and even said, ‘If you call some structure Taj Mahal, it will not become Taj Mahal’.
What do you guys think? Are remixes trash, or is it being in tune with the changing times?
