In 2025, Bollywood revives classics, with a splash of synth-pop and rap—Dhurandhar just nails it

In Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller, the song “Ishq Jalakar – Karvaan” is a masterclass in revival. It takes the legendary 1960 qawwali “Na Toh Karvan Ki Talash Hai” from Barsaat Ki Raat and infuses it with a gritty, cinematic swell. Composer Shashwat Sachdev kept the spiritual intensity of the original but layered it with heavy percussion and atmospheric synths.

This track has become a massive hit among Gen Z, who appreciate the raw, vocal-heavy “vibe” that contrasts with electronic music. It’s now common to hear the soaring crescendos of this 60-year-old melody echoing in modern lounges. The classic “Ramba Ho”, originally by Usha Uthup, returned to playlists after Madhubanti Bagchi, along with Sachdev, added a modern spin to it. Though the ‘original’ song is itself copied from Donna Summer’s I Feel Love, the 2025 “Ramba Ho” has been well-received by aficionados.

Sunny Sanskari, another standout, revived “Bijuriya”. Originally known for its rustic, folk-pop appeal, the song was reimagined with sharper production and vibrant choreography, featuring Janhavi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf. This version wormed into wedding playlists, college festivals, and club nights. DJs embraced it for its instant recognisability, while Gen Z audiences loved its blend of roots and zing. On social media, the hook became synonymous with high-calorie dance challenges, turning the song into a celebratory anthem across platforms.

In comedy-drama Mere Husband Ki Biwi, the 1990 classic “Gori Hai Kalaiyan” landed up on the dancefloor after a high-voltage transformation. While the original from Pratiggya was a sweet, festive, folk-pop track, the 2025 revival is a hardcore collab between Badshah and Kanika Kapoor. The song replaces dholak rhythms with a sleek, rap-centered arrangement and a thumping bassline that appeals to the “party-core” aesthetic of Gen Z.

Kanika Kapoor’s sultry, stylised vocals bring a contemporary “Baby Doll” energy to the hook, while Badshah’s signature mid-tempo verses provide the rhythmic swagger needed for viral Reels.

Perhaps one of the most symbolic and recent revivals of 2025 is “Saat Samundar Paar Main Tere” in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Teri Tu Mera. The song, already iconic across generations, has been reintroduced as a soft, acoustic version. For years, music lovers have been hooked to Sadhana Sargam and Udit Narayan’s voices, with Madhuri Dixit and her unmatched expressions.

Instead of using it as a novelty remix, the filmmakers used it to bridge eras, honouring the original with Kartik Aaryan lip-syncing it for Ananya Panday.

Apart from these, the year saw several other classics back in the spotlight. Disco-era hits, romantic ballads from the 90s, and even playful tracks from the early 2000s made entries. And they followed a similar pattern: respect the original, modernise the sound, and let social media do the rest. Instagram and YouTube became cultural amplifiers, allowing songs to live multiple lives as film soundtracks, reel trends, party anthems, and personal soundtracks to everyday moments.

As these revived classics gained traction on social media, they naturally transitioned into offline settings. By mid-2025, party playlists across cities reflected this shift. A remade classic could comfortably sit alongside global pop hits and Punjabi bangers. The familiarity of the melody ensured instant crowd response, while the updated production kept the energy contemporary. For DJs and party hosts, these songs became safe bets with engagement across age groups.

This trend, most noticeably, did not erase newer music styles or contemporary artists. Instead, it created a richer musical landscape with both the past and the present alongside. Gen Z listeners proved they weren’t opposed to older music; they simply needed it to be presented in a way they could get it—visually, emotionally, and culturally.

The 2025 trend of reviving classics has done more than just create hits; it has preserved musical heritage. By introducing these melodies to Gen Z through the lenses they value, aesthetic, social, and rhythmic, Bollywood has ensured the Dhurandhars of the past stay in the running for “stalwarts” of the future.