Abhijeet Bhattacharya slams remake of Chunari Chunari for Varun Dhawan’s upcoming film: 'Asli ki keemat sirf'

Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya recently shared his displeasure over the recreation of his song Chunari Chunari for the upcoming film Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, starring Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur. The original track was part of the 1999 film Biwi No. 1, featuring Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen.

In a candid chat with Hindustan Times, Abhijeet said he was completely unaware of the remake. He claimed that neither the film’s director nor the music composer had the courage to inform him. “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,” he said.

The singer also added that Chunari Chunari was never close to his heart. He recalled how the track was made in a hurry and didn’t hold much personal value for him. “For me personally, Chunari Chunari was not a great song, never. It was one of those ‘jaldi gaao aur bhaago studio se’ song. I never count it among my great songs.”

Despite the lack of emotional attachment, Abhijeet acknowledged that the song became widely popular and is often played at weddings and parties. Still, he admitted he never understood what made it so special for listeners. He credited the song’s popularity to public love, not to his own sentiment.

When asked if he was hurt by the remake, he replied, “Mujhe farak nahi padhta itni chhoti cheez se. I don’t get involved much. In the market, copies are sold more than the original. Only great people know the value of the original. Tuchhi cheez mein main padhta hi nahi hoon.”

Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by David Dhawan, was initially planned for release in October 2025. However, it is now set to hit theatres on April 10, 2026. Leaked visuals from the song shoot in London had earlier gone viral, sparking fan backlash over yet another classic being remade.