When the makers of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai unveiled their version of ‘Chunnari Chunnari’, the response was swift and divided. While the track, featuring Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde, found a warm reception among many listeners, it also drew criticism, including from Abhijeet Bhattacharya, the original singer. Composers Akshay Raheja and IP Singh, who have worked on the new song, have now spoken out in defense of their work, as reported by Hindustan Times.
For the duo, what matters most is not chart performance but the endorsement of those who built the original. "We are getting a lot of love and not just that, for us the blessings of Anu Malik sir, Sameer sir, the original creators is what matters the most to us. So we are just over the moon about it," said IP Singh, who was also careful to distinguish their version as a "reimagination and not a remix."
On the criticism from the original singer
Bhattacharya's disapproval has been the most high-profile note of dissent. Rather than bristle at it, the creators responded with measured respect. "He's a veteran and there's only respect for him from our end. I'm sure he has his point of view, he has his experience, and he has reasons to say whatever he's saying," said IP. He added that the duo hopes to eventually earn Bhattacharya's blessings, describing themselves as "kids trying to do something here."
Akshay echoed the sentiment, noting that the singer's reaction stems from a deeply personal place. "He must be coming from a place, because he originally recorded this song. His expression is coming from his experience. Now, obviously, the style of music has changed and evolved," he said.
Staying focused on the positives
The track has also been drawn into a legal dispute over rights, though the creators said they remain untroubled by it. "So many people are talking about it, whether they like it or not. Anything else around it, we can't do anything about that so we don't get perturbed by it," said IP.
The pair described presenting the song to a new generation as a "responsibility," one they approached by blending original sounds with a contemporary sensibility, all while opening doors for newer talent. With DJs already spinning ‘Chunnari Chunnari’ at weddings and house parties barely a week into its release, the duo appears to have struck a chord, at least on the dance floor.
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is directed by David Dhawan and stars Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde in lead roles. The romantic comedy is scheduled to release in theatres on June 5, 2026.
More Pages: Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai Box Office Collection
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