EXCLUSIVE: Gurdeep Mehndi reveals REAL reason why Daler Mehndi appeared alone in ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’: “There was a perception that his songs became hits due to models, expensive cars. Unhone yeh baat apne dil pe le li”

Gurdeep Mehndi is slowly and steadily making his mark as a singer and composer, carving an identity of his own beyond that of his father, Daler Mehndi, and uncle, Mika Singh. Recently, he released his latest single as a singer, ‘Chan Mahi’. He also features in the music video alongside Aditi Sharma, and its unique, cinematic visuals have been widely appreciated. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Gurdeep spoke about growing up while Daler Mehndi was at the peak of his phenomenal success, and a lot more.

EXCLUSIVE: Gurdeep Mehndi reveals REAL reason why Daler Mehndi appeared alone in ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’: “There was a perception that his songs became hits due to models, expensive cars. Unhone yeh baat apne dil pe le li”

Two years ago, Gurdeep Mehndi got a chance to sing with his father on the recreated version of Daler’s iconic song, ‘Na Na Na Na Na Re’, in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video (2024).

Gurdeep said, “It was officially our first-ever collaboration. It had always been my dream to sing with him. I was clear that I didn’t want to ask my father or uncle for any favours until I reached that level, or until the producers, directors or audience themselves asked for it. Otherwise, it would be a case of ghar ki murgi dal barabar. I was lucky that T-Series wanted a fresh voice for Rajkummar Rao. They asked me to come on board. I thanked God that day! After all, it gave them a legitimate reason to have me on the song alongside my father. No one was happier than me because now, if you search for ‘Na Na Na Na Na Re’, my name is there too. Mera naam jud gaya hai, and now I can sing it haq se because I have actually sung it as well (smiles).”

Gurdeep then opened up about his childhood days, saying, “Since I was very young, aur jab mujhe hosh bhi nahin tha, I had seen papa ji doing several shows even before he became famous. He used to perform in Delhi and was living the way he still lives today – like a king! So, we always knew that papa ji was someone special. It was only when we got enrolled in school that we realized, aur bada hai maamla (laughs).”

Out of all his classic songs, ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’ stands out. The music video featured only Daler Mehndi, appearing in multiple avatars, and was reportedly made at a cost of Rs. 2.5 crores, a huge amount at the time.

When asked what the discussion was like within the Mehndi family and whether there were any apprehensions about mounting such an expensive music video, Gurdeep replied, “Honestly, I wasn’t aware of the financial aspects then, and I’m not aware of them even now. But I do remember that, in those days, there was a perception that Indipop songs became hits because artists featured models and expensive cars in their videos. Unhone yeh baat apne dil pe le li. So, he decided, ‘Main ek aisa video banaunga jisme koi nahin hoga. Sirf main rahunga. Na gaadi hongi, na models.’ He also incorporated the four elements – earth, fire, water and air – into the video.”

Gurdeep Mehndi continued, “So, more than the money, for me, it was about the confidence with which he proved his point to everyone – koi nahin use kiya, sirf main akela hoon. Even today, I strongly feel that ‘Tunak Tunak Tun’ se badhiya gaana koi ho nahin sakta.”

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