Anu Malik Defends Chunnari Chunnari Remake Amid Online Backlash

Music composer Anu Malik has defended the recreated version of the popular song “Chunnari Chunnari” from the upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, following criticism on social media over the remake of the 1999 hit from Biwi No. 1. Malik shared a video on Instagram praising the new version and Varun Dhawan’s performance in the song. He said he was happy to see the track performed by a new superstar and recalled how the original song became a major hit when it featured Salman Khan, adding that the song had reached a different level because of him.

Malik also praised the film’s makers, including producer Ramesh Taurani, and said the recreated track had again created history. He thanked lyricist Sameer Anjaan and director David Dhawan, saying he had worked with Dhawan many times and was looking forward to the film. He also complimented the dance performance in the new version and said Varun Dhawan had done a great job.

The recreated version of “Chunnari Chunnari” was released online on Tuesday. It is a revamped take on the original song from Biwi No. 1, which was sung by Abhijeet Bhattacharya and Anuradha Sriram, with music composed by Malik. The new version has been arranged by Akshay Raheja and Abhishek Singh and choreographed by Remo D’Souza. It features vocals by IP Singh, Jonita Gandhi, Asees Kaur, Sudhir Yaduvanshi and Anuradha Sriram. The song has been picturised on Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur.

However, the remake has drawn backlash online, with many social media users criticising the decision to recreate the classic track. Original singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya also reportedly criticised the new version. The song has also become part of a separate controversy involving claims of unauthorised use. Pooja Entertainment’s Vashu Bhagnani has accused producer Ramesh Taurani and director David Dhawan of recreating and reusing the song without approval.

Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is scheduled to release in theatres on June 4.