Abhishek Bachchan had to step in to quell battle between Daler Mehendi and Yash Raj Films
India: Singer Daler Mehndi spoke about his experience working with director Shaad Ali, revealing that he ‘took action’ against him after his rendition of the Jhoom Barabar Jhoom title track was removed from the film with no prior warning. Daler Mehendi revealed that Abhishek Bachchan had to step in, after which the matter was finally resolved. The music for Shaad Ali’s 2007 film was composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, with lyrics by Gulzar.
In an interview with The Lallantop, Daler Mehendi said, “’Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’ was a very good song, and when Shaad Ali called me, Muzaffar sir was also there, he said, ‘I have a very good song. Only you can sing it, it’s a song from my film.’ I was in Dubai when I got the call, I said I will be back next week and I will sing it.”
The singer continued, “I went to Bombay and I bore my own expenses, went to the studio and sang the song. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Gulzaar sir, and everyone else was there. They asked me to sing one line, and said, “Waah, bohot acha gaya, kamaal kardiya.” After three months, the film was released. My name was not there on the CD, but the song was there.”
Daler Mehendi recalled how he called Ali to ask what happened, and the director told him, “Woh humari marzi hai, koi baat nahi, hum rakhe ya na rkahe. Woh keh rahe hai aapne sahi nahi gaya, aapke lafz mai Punjabi aa rahi hai. Jo karna hai kar lo (It’s up to us what version we want to keep. They’re saying you didn’t sing it well, they could hear a Punjabi twang in your voice, do what you want to do).” Daler Mehendi said that he ‘took action’ against them. However, the singer then revealed that Abhishek Bachchan told him, “Paaji, leave them, forgive them.” He said that Abhishek is dear to him, and after the actor intervened, he stepped down.
According to a report by DNA, Daler Mehndi filed a lawsuit against Yash Raj Films, alleging that another singer replaced his voice in the title song of the film Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. Mehndi also sent notices to Shaad Ali, Gulzar, and Shankar Mahadevan, seeking an unconditional apology within 15 days.
