Bollywood has a tendency to start a trend and then repeat it one-too-many times till it becomes stale. Filmmakers often rate the success of a trend by how it’s received by the audience; If it receives a thumbs up once, it becomes a tried-and-tested formula for a hit.
While there are several trends that Bollywood has been following for quite some time, the latest (roughly started over two to three years ago) is the remake of old classic songs, specifically used for promotional purposes or item numbers in films.
The formula for this one – pick a popular old song, add few extra beats to it, a little bit of rap, and a splash of synchronized choreography with lots glitter and gloss!
Now, which Bollywood fan doesn’t love listening to old songs; It’s nostalgic and the remixed versions make an amazing playlist at parties and weddings. While some remakes are certainly good – Tamma Tamma Again from Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Kala Chashma from Baar Baar Dekho (though not a classic), Hungama Hogaya from Queen … some are just trying too hard.
The latest remake on the block – Ek Do Teen from Baaghi 2.
There’s no doubt that the artists put in a lot of effort to recreate the magic. But something is definitely feels amiss.
Singer Alka Yagnik, who sung the original track starring Madhuri Dixit, reacted to its new version, “It’s no match to the original… It wasn’t required.” during an interview with Radio Nasha. She added, “Even though [the original] Ek Do Teen was an item number [in Tezaab], there was a certain innocence and vulnerability present both in the song, and on Madhuri’s face. Aap koi bhi scene dekh lein, uss gane mein kuch bhi vulgar nahi hai (Pick any scene from the song, and you’ll not find anything vulgar). It was not at all seductive either! I don’t think the new version will have the same thing.”
What do you think? Is it time for this fad to fade?
Let us know in the comments.
News source: Hindustan Times
