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Filmmaker Subhash Ghai’s iconic film, Khal Nayak, turned 30 on Sunday (August 6). Alongside its captivating narrative, the movie is also known for its chart-topping tracks. In a recent interview, Ghai shared an intriguing backstory about the film’s famous track, ‘Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai.’ Composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, the song was penned by Anand Bakshi. It was sung by Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun.
In an interview with The Times Of India, Ghai shared that when lyricist Anand Bakshi inquired about the nature of the song, specifically the ‘mujra’ element, he suggested transforming it into a folk song. This adjustment was necessary because Madhuri Dixit’s character needed to convince Ballu (played by Sanjay Dutt) that she hailed from a tribal background. Acknowledging Ghai’s input, Bakshi conceived the lyrics for ‘Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai.’
However, when he first recited the lyrics to Ghai, the filmmaker was ‘shocked’ and expressed reservations, saying, “No, we can’t make this.” Yet, when he encountered the line, ‘Yeh dil main dungi apne yaar ko,’ he was convinced and decided to go ahead with the song.
The song ‘Choli Ke Peeche’ created quite a stir at the time due to its provocative undertones and its open discussion of female desire. Singer Ila Arun lent her distinctive voice to this blockbuster track.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Ila revealed that her mother disapproved of the song. “She told me, ‘Yeh Kya gaana gaya hai, apna star itna mat girao ki kuch bhi gana ga do ?’ (What have you sung? Don’t fall down so much that you have sing anything). Later, she realised that it was a good song and praised me, but initially, she didn’t like me singing the song,” she said.
During his conversation with TOI, Subhash Ghai also disclosed that Anil Kapoor had approached him for the role of Ballu. Ghai, however, felt Kapoor wouldn’t fit the part and cast Sanjay Dutt in the role. He said, “I told Anil ‘Ye tujhe suit nahi karega. Tu jaega, main jauga aur ye film bhi jaege‘ (I told Anil this part won’t suit you, you won’t work, I won’t work, this film won’t work).” There were also rumours that Aamir Khan had approached Ghai for the same role, but the filmmaker clarified that Aamir had reached out to him for his 1991 film, Saudagar.
Khalnayak emerged as the second highest-grossing film of its release year (1993), following Aankhen. The movie secured 11 nominations at the Filmfare Awards and was a massive success at the box office.
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