The actor’s upcoming musical-drama brings back the evergreen track ‘Badan Pe Sitare’ which features playback by Sonu Nigam
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 19, 2018)

Even as Atul Manjrekar’s musical drama, Fanney Khan, featuring Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Rajkummar Rao is gearing up for an unveiling on August 3, Mirror has learnt that the makers recently filmed “Badan Pe Sitare Lapete Hue”, from Lekh Tandon’s 1969 film Prince on Anil. Mohd. Rafi ’s iconic rendition was originally picturised on Shammi Kapoor.

“AK sir’s character who is an orchestra singer considers Mohammad Rafi and Shammi Kapoor as his Gods and sings their songs. This one is his most favourite. You’ll also see him pull off some of Shammi saab’s iconic moves,” informs Atul.

He is quick to add that they have not recreated the song for the Bhushan Kumar, Anil Kapoor and PS Bharathi production but have only given it a new voice, retaining the original lyrics and music. National Award-winning singer Sonu Nigam has lent his voice to it this time around. “We couldn’t use Rafi saab’s voice as AK Sir’s character sings in the film. At the same time, we wanted someone who would do justice to our tribute to the original. It was AK sir who suggested Sonu’s name and all of us instantly agreed because who better than him to do justice to this great song,” adds the director.

Born and brought up in Mumbai, as a child Atul had seen a lot of orchestras, many of them with a junior Mohammad Rafi or Kishore Kumar who besides singing would also perform on a number sung by the originals. “These orchestra experiences have stayed with me and made their way into the script,” he smiles.

Anil was extremely excited to be a part of the song as his filmmaker-father, Surinder Kapoor, had worked with Shammi Kapoor and he would visit the actor’s house and spend a lot of time with him. “In fact, as a child he even sang and danced to this particular song and his eyes lit up when I had discussed the idea with him,” Atul signs off with a laugh.