Original Vs. Remix III

After praising The Good and mentioning The Bad, it's finally time to consider The Ugly. Over a couple years, I've come across these Ugly remixes. A common theme in The Bad and The Ugly remixes is the unnecessary sexiness. It is way over the top and completely not required. Some of the original songs happen to be songs that I really like and when I saw these horrible remixes, I was just shocked. Those melodies do not deserve such horrible treatment!

And finally, The Ugly:

Jia Bekarar Hai from Barsaat (1949), Shankar Jaikishan

This song is about a girl singing about all the thoughts and feelings that go through her heart when she waits for her lover to return to her. It is a cute song and full of emotions. To say the least the remix does not maintain the innocence of the original. The video involves the skimpily clad model wriggling around and groping the male lead - complete opposite of the original song.

Hawa Mein Udta Jaye from Barsaat (1949), Shankar Jaikishan

This is another cute song about a girl and her laal duaptta malmal ka. Once again this song has an innocent charm about it. Moreover, Lata Mangeshkar's young voice adds youth and lightness to the song. I was shocked to find this remix by the Bombay Vikings. I've enjoyed all of their previous remixes but this one struck out. First off, I enjoyed their previous remixes because of the new lyrics, beat and the funny videos. This time the song sounds okay but I was put off by the typical remix video - sexy girl(s) dancing all around the singer. I expected something more original. (Just as a side note this video features Gauhar Khan and Mumaith Khan and it still failed to make an impression!)

Chad Gayo Papi Bichua from Madhumati (1958), Salil Chowdhury

This is actually one of my favorite songs. I still remember the first time I watched Madhumati. I absolutely loved the movie. I fell in love with all of the songs. This song is a village/folk song that takes place during a pivotal part in the movie. When I found this remix, I instantly came to dislike it. Nothing in the remix remotely relates to the original village/folk setting and feel of the song. Also the dance moves in the video are not that appealing and needlessly provocative. As a side note, this video does star the yummy Vivaan Bhatena (he's the only plus point of this video!).

Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya from Phagun (1958), O.P. Nayyar

Okay I'm not sure where to begin. First off, I don't see how Toxic even fits with this song. Second, why is Sophie dressed like a hooker in half the song? No wonder the poor guy is confused! And finally, Sophie needs to work on her voice. The original is a Madhubala classic with vocals by Lata Mangeskar and Mohd. Rafi. Overall the song doesn't sound horrible but this could have been much better.

Aaja Piya Tohe Pyar Doon from Baharon Ke Sapne (1967), R.D. Burman

Aren't all of you glad I put up the really short version of this disastrous remix? Everything about this remix is pathetic. The models are horrible. The vocals are worse and the video is just plain trashy. The original is a Lata Mangeshkar classic. This remix is an insult to her talent. R.D. Burman must be rolling in his grave.

Rangeela Re from Prem Pujari (1970), S.D. Burman

Let's just say I am not a fan of Deepal Shaw's schoolgirl-gone-wild remixes. This is another installment in that horrible series. I must say though that I love the concept of remixing Rangeela Re from Rangeela (music by none other than the amazing A.R. Rahman) and Rangeela Re from Prem Pujari. The song sounds good but could have been much better if an accomplished singer provided the vocals. Once again the video is pathetic. What's weird is that there are two videos for the exact same song and both of them are pathetic. Check out video # 2 at your own risk!

Kitna Pyaara Vaada from Caravan (1971), R.D. Burman

First of all let it be known, I love the movie Caravan and love all of the songs. I could not believe my ears when I heard this remix and I wanted to become blind after I saw the video. Okay I'm exaggerating but that doesn't lessen the impact this horrible remix had on me. The beginning was weird and then the song didn't get any better. The original is a Mohd. Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar classic with loads of soul and romance. The vocals in this remix are a little to techno-like for me. All that's left in this remix is sexiness!

Bangle Ke Peeche (Kaanta Laga) from Samadhi (1972), R.D. Burman

All right for this one I'm actually divided. I sort of like how the remix sounds but absolutely hate the lewdness of the video. I'm not sure if this one belongs in The Ugly pile or The Bad pile. Regardless, the overall feel makes this is a blah remix. The original stars the cute and bubbly Asha Parekh and the vocals are provided by the timeless Lata Mangeshkar.

Mera Babu Chhail Chabila from Man Ki Jeet (1972), M. Ashraf

By now I'm sure you can guess that I'm not really a fan of Sophie's remixes. The beginning of the video threw me off. The whole Aladin/Arabian Nights feel was a little weird. Then the scene changed to reality. BTW Sophie's clothes reminded me of Kareena's costume in Chameli. Anyway, the last par to of the video did not make sense to me. How did the super traditional girl end up in a club wearing a strapless shirt nonetheless? The original song is actually from a Pakistani movie, Mann Ki Jeet. The vocals are provided by Runa Laila and the song stars Shabnum.

Main Hoon Don from Don (1978), Kalyanji – Anandji

What the heck is this? Is this even a remix?! I did not expect this from DJ Aqueel. I loved his remix of Yeh Vaada Raha. When I saw that he had also remixed Main Hoon Don, I expected this one to be even but my hopes were shattered when I heard this song. I expected the video to be on the provocative side but I just can't get over the robotic voice. The original of course has Amitabh Bachchan in one of his most iconic roles with vocals provided by the amazing Kishore Kumar.

Yeh Mera Dil from Don (1978), Kalyanji – Anandji

First off, what is up with the vocals?! The song sounds horrible - Cheeky Girls?! Cheeky Boys?! I hate to see a Helen classic being murdered. Another thing bothering me about this video - what the heck is Bobby Darling doing in this video? Everything in video throws me off. I do not like the Bachelor Party theme at all. As a side note, this video also stars Tanushree Dutta and Mumaith Khan.

Tauba Tauba from Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Rajesh Roshan

The first time I heard this remixed version, I almost puked. The vocals are horrible. They are so jarring and loud and completely unlike the teasing voice of Asha Bhosle in the original. Rekha is cute and performs the song well. She even does the Nagin dance well! The video of the remix on the other hand is just weird. The whole hot girl-school boy romance story just does not work for this song. On the whole, this remix continues to leave a bad taste.

Le Gayi Le Gayi from Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Uttam Singh



This is a classic Karisma Kapoor song made better by Asha Bhosle providing the vocals. I love the way this song was used as an introduction song. I still remember sitting in the movie theater watching this song with wide eyes! So imagine my surprise when I came across this remix version of the song. I was taken aback by the nastiness. This song deserves a better remix than this. The vocals are horrible. The beats are horrible. I'm actually surprised this song stars Nandini Singh, Rakesh Bapat and Iqbal Khan, all well-known television actors.