The 1990s was considered the best phase for independent music in India. And one song that continues to rule the playlists of pop music lovers even now is singer Sonu Nigam’s Bijuriya that was released 25 years ago. Composed by Ravi Pawar and penned by Ajay Jhingran, the dance number from the album Mausam gets people on the dance floor even today.

“Bijuriya is among my most favourite songs. It has been a part of my life since 1999 and I perform it at 99.9% of my shows. In fact, I performed it in Phuket (Thailand) two days ago and the attendees went crazy,” says Nigam.

The song came close on the heals of the singer’s another chart-topping dance hit Tu Kab Ye Janegi from the album Kismat (1998). Sharing how it was ideated, Nigam adds, “One of the songs that was written for Mausam was Tera Kaisa Hai Ye Jalwa. Ajay ji and I were at Ravi Pawar ji’s home and I thought we should have something without the word jalwa, as the song Har Taraf Tera Jalwa (from the album Tunak Tunak Tun; 1998) had just released. So, I suggested words like bijuriya, dagariya, gujariya, sawariya, etc. Then Ajay ji wrote the lyrics for Bijuriya. Musicians like Sivamani (percussionist), Rupert Fernandes and Shyam Raj ji (saxophonist) were onboarded for the song.”

Speaking of his signature step, the Padma Shri recipient adds, “Saroj Khan ji (late choreographer) had choreographed Tu Kab Ye Janegi. So, she knew I was a keen learner and a singer who wanted to dance. I told her that while choreographing Bijuriya, she should think that she’s doing it for Govinda (actor). I’m glad that people still look forward to my Bijuriya signature step when I perform on stage.”