It fills me with sorrow'

Mumtaz Begum speaks out on 'Bado Badi' cover

Veteran film star Mumtaz Begum and her son Zeeshan Bari were invited for an interview with Ambreen Fatima where they had much to discuss about the evolution of the entertainment industry. Aside from the specifics of Mumtaz's experience as a famed actor in the '70s, she was also asked about her opinion on Chahat Fateh Ali Khan's take on her hit song Bado Badi.

"The thing is, had he covered the track as a song and not as a joke, I would've lauded him for it today. He made a mockery out of this song," she softly began. "And this used to be a superhit song, due to which the film earned immense success."

Mumtaz mentioned that she later found out that the song's popularity enabled it to be screened various times throughout the course of the film. "This was the extent to its fame. Now this gentleman, who has popped into the scene, has ridiculed it. So that does bring me sorrow," she calmly put.

Zeeshan chipped in with some insights of his own. "My mother's sentiments are valid. But what I have been trying to convince her of is that regardless of the cover's execution, it revived her song and attracted the attention of the younger generations," he said.

"He (Chahat) is a performer," Zeeshan clarified. "Whatever kind of a performer he may be, had he not attempted that comedic act, the song would never have been noticed by the kids of today. It is this shot at comedy that has helped introduce her (Mumtaz) to the younger generation."

Zeeshan believes that Chahat's cover of the track has effectively taught the younger generation a few things about the culture of the entertainment industry of his mother's time. He then concluded that he doesn't mind this rendition. "Even though I am cautious when it comes to my mother's legacy, in the sense that I don't want anything to put a stain on it or damage it in any way, I still believe that this (Chahat's cover) wasn't bad."

The track, originally referred to as Akh Ladi Bado Badi, was released as part of the 1973 film Banarsi Thug. Sung by the legendary Noor Jehan, the song was accompanied by an iconic dance performance by Mumtaz.

Earlier this year, Chahat, who is notorious for his unique takes on original songs, released his cover of the classic, which soon garnered traction from social media users. The release ran into copyright infringement issues on YouTube, but was able to make a swift recovery and is once again available to stream on the platform.