Bollywood Songs That Have Been Inspired From English Tracks
In this article, we will be talking about some popular Bollywood songs, which have been inspired from English tracks.
Music is one true therapy! There perhaps would be no one, who does not like listening to music. If you are in a happy mood, there are uplifting tracks for you. If you are depressed or sad, then there is some soothing music for you. If you want to party, then there are dance tracks. For every given situation in life, there is music to help you. We can say it with the guarantee that if you find yourself in a rather sad mood, listening to some music will definitely help you, and we are not making this up.
In a world where stress and anxiety seem to be constant companions as we continue to grapple with depressing and sad news, the soothing and refreshing balm of music ends up offering respite. Music and songs serve as a form of therapy and it is definitely capable of healing emotional wounds, easing physical discomfort, and uplifting the spirit.
If you are someone who struggles to express his or her feelings, music also provides a voice. Music can help you express complex emotions, confront painful experiences, and gain insights into the inner world. Music also encourages creative self-expression and it empowers individuals to express their emotions.
When we talk about music, how can we forget the vibrant Bollywood songs? Bollywood, which happens to be the vibrant heart of Indian cinema, is known for its colorful dance sequences, melodious songs, and captivating storylines. Over the years, Bollywood filmmakers and music composers have drawn inspiration from a variety of sources, including popular Hollywood songs. From direct adaptations to subtle influences, Bollywood's homage to Hollywood songs adds a unique flair to its musical landscape.
Bollywood music composers have often looked to Hollywood for creative inspiration. Several composers have adapted popular tunes to suit the sensibilities of Indian audiences. Bollywood's homage to Hollywood songs is a testament to the global influence of music and film. Bollywood's reinterpretation of Hollywood songs is just not limited to direct adaptations but it also extends to subtle influences.
However, despite drawing inspiration from Hollywood hits, Bollywood music does possess a distinct flavor and identity and this is the quality, which sets it apart from others. These Bollywood songs manage to capture the essence of Indian culture while paying homage to their Western counterparts.
One of Bollywood's most iconic examples of drawing inspiration from Hollywood is the song 'Chura Liya Hai' from the 1973 film 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat'. Composed by RD Burman, the song's opening part bears a striking resemblance to the instrumental theme of the 1967 song 'If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium' by Bojoura.
Since we have cited one example, and the weekend is here, we have decided to come up with a piece, where we list down some of the popular Bollywood songs, and the inspiration behind them.
In this article, we will be talking about some of the popular Bollywood songs, which have been inspired/sampled from English and Western tracks.
So without further ado, here is the list:
Tumse Milke Dilka Jo Haal, Main Hoon Na (2004) -- No More Chain Gang, Boney M (1979)
Boney M's 'No More Chain Gang' will instantly remind you of the 'Main Hoon Na’ song. For the unversed, both tracks have similar beats. Both the songs have absolutely similar hook beats and tunes. The only difference is that different instruments have been used to play similar tunes. Boney M's 'No More Chain Gang' was released in 1979 and it can be assumed that the 'Main Hoon Na' makers decided to somewhat copy or sample the trademark tune.
Stand by Me, The Drifters (1960) -- Dildara, Ra One (2011)
Released in 1960 by The Drifters, 'Stand By Me' is a perfect anthem of loyalty, friendship, and solidarity. Written by Ben E King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller, this soulful ballad continues to resonate with audiences across generations, transcending the boundaries of time and culture. Now, if you listen to the 'Ra One' song 'Dildara', you will instantly make a connection between the two songs.
Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, Title track (2001) -- Exorcist II: The Heretic (End Credits) (1977)
'Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya', picturised on Urmila Matondkar and Fardeen Khan, is one of the most loved romantic track, sung by Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam. You would be shocked to know that the tune of the song has been copied from the 1997 Hollywood film 'Exorcist II: The Heretic'. The tune has been copied from the end credits song of the Hollywood film. Now, go listen to both tracks and find out the uncanny similarities.
Kya Mujhe Pyar Hai from Woh Lamhe (2006) -- Tak Bisakah by Peterpan (2005)
'Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai', a popular Hindi song from Kangana Ranaut and Shiney Ahuja-starrer 'Woh Lamhe', holds the test of time and it is still one of the most popular romantic ballads. But, you would be shocked to know that the track's tune has been copied from the 'Tak Bisakah' song by Peterpan. For the unversed, 'Peterpan' is an Indonesian band. The original song was sung by Ariel, who is the lead vocalist of the band.
Pal Pal from Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) -- Theme for a Dream by Cliff Richard (1961)
'Pal Pal' is one of the most popular songs from the 'Munna Bhai franchise. The track sung by Shreya Ghosal and Sonu Nigam belongs to the 2006 film 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai', directed by Rajkumar Hirani, starring Vidya Balan, Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, and Boman Irani. We found out today that the track's tune has been copied or inspired from the 1961 song 'Theme for a Dream' by Cliff Richard.
Shikdum from Dhoom (2004) -- Sikidim by Tarkan (1994)
Released in 1997 by the Turkish pop sensation Tarkan, 'Sikidim' took the world by storm with its infectious beat, catchy melody, and seductive lyrics. From Istanbul to Tokyo, London to New York, this iconic song captivated audiences around the globe. Perhaps, this is the reason, the makers of John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan, Esha Deol, and Uday Chopra, took inspiration from this track in their song 'Shikdum'. The 'Dhoom' song has been sung by Shaan and Shreya Ghosal.
Dil Na Diya from Krrish (2006) -- Turkish Military March Track by Ceddin Deden
'Dil Na Diya', a song from Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas-starrer 'Krrish' has also been copied from the Turkish Military March Track by Ceddin Deden. As soon as you listen to both the songs, you will be shocked to find out the uncanny resemblance between both the tracks.
Rama Re from Kaante (2002) -- Bird Boy by Nana Vasconcelos (1990)
'Rama Re' song from 'Kaante' has been sung by Sanjay Dutt, Shaan, Zubin, Anand Raj Anand and Sudesh Bhosle. The lyrics have been penned by Dev Kohli while Anand Raj Anand serves as the music director. The track has been picturised on Sanjay Dutt, Mahesh Manjrekar, Amitabh Bachchan, Lucky Ali, Kumar Gaurav, and Sunil Shetty. However, not many people know that the song's tune has been inspired by the track 'Bird Boy' by Nana Vasconcelos, which was released in 1990.
Dil Mein Baji Guitar from Apna Sapna Money Money (2006) -- Sheola Shaila by Miami Band (1997)
Miami Band's popular 1997 song 'Sheola Shaila' is the inspiration behind the popular 'Apna Sapna Money Money' track 'Dekha Jo Tujhe Yaar Dil Mein Baji Guitar', sung by Mika Singh. The song has been picturised on Riteish Deshmukh and Koena Mitra.
Dil Samundar from Garam Masala (2005) -- Kuzu Kuzu by Tarkan (2001)
Tarkan's popular 2001 song 'Kuzu Kuzu' is the real inspiration behind Akshay Kumar and John Abraham-starrer 'Garam Masala's song 'Dil Samundar'. Go to any music streaming platform, and hear the two tracks. You would be surprised to see the uncanny resemblance between the two.
Here are some of the other Bollywood songs, that have been inspired by Western Music:
Neend Churaayi Meri from Ishq (1997) -- Sending All My Love by Tolga (1990)
Pretty Woman, Kal Ho Na Ho (2003) -- Oh, Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison (1965)
Om Shanti Om, Karz (1980) -- Om Shanty Om by Lord Shorty (1974)
Mehbooba, Mehbooba, Sholay (1975) -- Ta Rialia by Michalis Violaris (1973)
Gupt Title Track (1997) -- Deep Forrest, Deep Forrest (1992)
In the Night No Control, Khiladiyon Ke Khiladi (1996) -- Self Control, Laura Branigan (1984)
I'll Do The Talking Tonight, Agent Vinod (2012) -- Rasputin, Boney M (1978)
Gela, Gela, Gela, Aitraaz (2004) -- Thoia Thoing, R Kelly (2003)
Akele hum akele Tum title track (1995) -- Child In Time, Deep Purple (1970)
Conclusion
Now that, we have listed so many songs above, we can safely say that Bollywood's homage to Hollywood songs is a testament to the global power of music and cinema. From direct adaptations to subtle influences, Bollywood's creative reinterpretations of Hollywood hits add a unique flavor to the ever-growing landscape of global music, and whatever your opinion, you cannot argue that taking inspiration from Hollywood does help in making the Indian cinematic landscape better. As Bollywood continues to draw inspiration from Hollywood and beyond, it is safe to say that its musical legacy will continue to thrive.
Had a great time reading this? Then, keep on looking out for more, as we will be coming out with these types of articles every weekend! If you like us coming up with these articles every week, keep sharing so that we know our hard work is bearing some results. With this, happy weekend!
