Music

10 songs Bollywood ripped off from Pakistan

Find out which songs made the top ten list

April 08, 2015

KARACHI: Bollywood gets quite a lot of flak for its blatant plagiarism of Hollywood, with some court cases thrown in from time to time as well. The same can be said for their music with composers such as Pritam consistently under the radar for "highly-inspired" music.

Coincidentally, several Indian songs have also been “inspired” by Pakistani musicians. Here’s a list of 10 times Indian music composers ripped off from Pakistan, sometimes not even bothering to change the lyrics. The complete list consists of hundred of songs over the span of at least five decades, but our countdown consists of only some of the most popular ones.

1. Munni Badnaam Hui (Dabangg)

This famous item number bears a strong resemblance to the qawwali Larka Badnam Hua Haseena Tere Liye from the 1992 Pakistani film Mr. Charlie starring comedian Omar Sharif.

You can view the item number here:

Compare it to the original:

2. Main Na Jhoot Bolun (Indrajeet)

This song from the 1991 Amitabh-starrer Indrajeet may not be familiar to most, but we are sure that very few will be able to miss the unmistakeable beat in the background.

Created in the 1980s, this is the music that is characteristic of every PPP election campaign and rally.

3. Dil Dil Hindustan (Yaadon ke Mausam)

Even patriotic songs were not spared. Check out this patriotic number from little-known 1991 film Yaadon ke Mausam.

Compare it with the Vital Sign's mega-hit Dil Dil Pakistan which came out in 1987.

4. Mera Piya Ghar Aya (Yaraana)

This 1995 film may not have been very memorable, but Madhuri's dance steps in Mera Piya Ghar Aaya O Raam Ji remained in the hearts of her fans for quite some time.

This would remind Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan fans of his qawwali Mera Piya Ghar Aya which was first heard two years prior.

5. Tu Cheez Bari Hai Mast (Mohra)

The chemistry between Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon set the screen on fire in this song from 1994 blockbuster Mohra.

The Pakistani inspiration turned out to be the Sufi song Dam Mast Qalander Mast Mast, which had been set to music by several artists including Abida Parveen, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the Sabri brothers, Reshma and Madam Noor Jehan. Compare the tune in the Mohra remake to Nusrat Fateh Ali's rendition here:

6. Hum Bhool Gaye Re Har Baat (Souten ki Beti)

Rekha crooned along to Lata Mangeshkar in this soulful melody from 1989 film Souten ki Beti:

The song, right down to the lyrics, were in reality lifted from this song from Pakistani film Saheli released in 1960.

Those who have watched the movie might also recognize the lyrics, if not the melody, of this song as well.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan again:

7. Lambi Judai (Jannat)

The Indian version appeared in Emraan Hashmi's 2008 film Jannat...

...and turned out to be heavily inspired by folk singer Reshman's original:

8. Kadi te Has Bol (Love Aaj Kal)

The words Kadi te Has Bol can be heard in the soundtrack of the song Aahun Aahun from the 2009 film Love Aaj Kal.

Before this an Indian pop-music version was also made in the late 90's.

The Pakistani original was sung by Shaukat Ali:

9. Buhat Pyar Karte Hain Tumko Sanam (Saajan)

One of the songs from the 1991 romantic movie that established Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan as one of the most iconic on-screen couples...

...actually heavily borrowed from the song Buhat Khoobsurat Hai Mera Sanam sung by Mehdi Hasan for the 1978 film Abshar.

10. Agar Tum Mil Jao (Zeher)

Two versions of the song Agar Tum Mil Jao were seen in the 2005 Emraan Hashmi starrer Zeher. Check out one of these versions here:

While the tune was changed beyond recognition, the lyrics are eerily similar to the ones from the 1974 Tasawwar Khanum original:

COMMENTS (41)

Noor | 9 years ago | Reply Mera Dil Le Gaye (Ziddi 1997) is originally Billo ke Ghar by Abrar Ul Haq (1995)

Gaurav | 9 years ago | Reply I am amazed by the responses. Not a single comment from Pakistani side is light in language. Its such a pleasent surprise. Here in India, we think that Pakistanis are full of hatred for us and use very filthy and foul language while talking about us. But here they proved it wrong. And I am so very happy. And one thing about the article. the veryfirst song mentioned hete is actually taken From an Awadhi folk song 'chhora badnam hua naseeban tere liye'. May be some of your own 'originals' are actually inspired ones.

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ABKhan | 9 years ago | Reply @Rajesh: In the same shameful manner you justify copying Hollywood movies and make cheap copies

Hatfield & McCoy | 9 years ago | Reply Thank you, Sufia Zamir I have been trying to find out Indian movie Which feaured copy of "Dilan teer bijan" for at least 2+ years. Now I know. Thanks again.

Niaz H. Jafri | 9 years ago | Reply You've just mentioned 10. There are many more instances where you have seen a rip-off of Pakistani music or very few people even know that some films are also copied but thanks to our deteriorating cultural scene here in Pakistan, we don't appreciate an amazing array of musicians and some great music that Pakistan has produced over the years. By the way, our Indian friends really are very talented copy-makers.

PS | 9 years ago | Reply @Rajesh: You did not understand the point. The point is that it is copyright infringement. Lack of creativity will lead to copying off other songs. Bollywood songs may be good and some instant hits, but you need to understand the different between deliberate copying and making the songs "better".

Rangacharya Kulkarni | 9 years ago | Reply Bollywood has history of 102 years. Only 10 songs were inspired by Pakistan. So, only 10 songs in 102 years. Anyway Michel Foucault argues no single author/poet/musician could own any work and it is creation of so many people.So, Pakistanis should feel proud that it inspired Bollywood.

Lord of the Ring | 9 years ago | Reply @Deepwater: 99% ! Sir would mind sharing the source of your data with us ???

usman777 | 9 years ago | Reply repugnant.

SMH | 9 years ago | Reply And let's not forget about Jal's Aadat that became kind of like a modern anthem for the new generation....hearing its rip off version "Juda ho k bhi tu mjh mein kahin baki hai" was like a blow in the head.. Taking our songs for their films is okay with me, not giving the real artists any credit for their work is preposterous! In olden times there was not much awareness about privacy issues but atleast I didn't expect the musicians that I grew up listening to be wronged. Few examples include Faakhir's Marjawan Mukk Jawan, Hadiqa Kiani's Bohay baariyan that got ripped off more than once, Ali Zafar's Rangeen hai tu. The due credit should be given to the person who deserves it along with a legal fee for acquirrance of the rights for using their intellectual property. Pakistani government needs to look after its own people.

Deepwater | 9 years ago | Reply A country where 99% of the people watch pirated films (Bollywood or otherwise) and use pirated software is talking about creative infringement. Aaaah...such delicious hypocrisy!!!

ny | 9 years ago | Reply How sad. Bollywood is only good at copying others. No sense of originality whatsoever.

MAK | 9 years ago | Reply you forgot Baby Doll main sone di. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2alhwababy-doll-main-sone-di-song-in-balochifun.

Puppet on a chain | 9 years ago | Reply The latest song being 'main tainnu samjhawan kee, na teray bajon lagda jee'. I was fuming when I heard it because it's my favourite from Pakistani Punjabi movie sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. The cheats do not have the guts to acknowledge as to what they have done.

Zain Mohsin | 9 years ago | Reply Take it easy guys. They might have bought the rights and sometimes our (Pakistani) singers don't tell the complete story. Anyways its a good article :)

tabraiz | 9 years ago | Reply @Rajesh: Pakistani enjoys indian songs which are also sung by pakistani singer hahahahha.... rahat, atif, ali zafar.....both countries have talent but copy is copy dont cover it

Suresh | 9 years ago | Reply "Dilan Teer Bijan" is my all time favorite. Great music, lyrics, play back singing so beautiful so enjoyable. Truly a "rip off" worthy song! Such songs are a result of hundreds of years of musical evolution with many inputs originating sometimes from distant places. Who knows, this song may contain many beats or style from central Asia too. When any individual or group of people copy or improvise suiting local taste "for their living" there is no harm. Infact, that is how it is done. But,crass commercial exploitation by copy paste method without "giving anything back to the people" should be opposed. While fully agreeing with Pakistani concern about Bollywood ripoff of Pakistani songs, I would like to remind them about the great repsect Indians have towards Pakistani musicians. I think, today Gaulam Ali is going to perform in Varanasi on opening day of month long auspicious Hindu Temple musical festival, He will be honored, respected and treated like a Guru! Compare this to what Pakistan has done to their own music and musicians! I have heard many sad stories about them.

Arka | 9 years ago | Reply thanks for sharing

Nadia Wafa | 9 years ago | Reply It's not just 10 songs, Bollywood is copy cat look the name copied from hollywood. Bollywood movies are copied from Pakistan and Hollywood, their dramas their songs they don't have anything their own that's why we call bollywood Copy cats shame on them.

Mirza | 9 years ago | Reply Singing identical song/Ghazal is very common and is not called a copy. Many artists try their talent by singing the same number. In addition there have been common “zameen” in which many top poets have written their poetry and nobody alleges them of stealing. A very common example is Mirza Ghalib and Mirza Daagh: Yeh na thi humari qismat ke visale yaar hota, Agar aur jeete rehte yehi intizar hota (Ghalib) Ajab apna haal hota jo visale yaar hota, Kabhi jaan sadqe hoti kabhi dil nisar hota (Daagh) Can anybody read these two full pieces and explain who stole from whom? Of course there are examples of copying movies and stories and not giving credit to the original creator but poetry has been a common heritage in sub-continent. I remember as a kid there were several songs popularly played in both countries ending with “to bura maan gaye”. Most all tunes originate from the same old classical raags and it is not surprising that mostly familiar sounding songs become popular.

Ali | 9 years ago | Reply @Rajesh: These r just 10 vintage...!! forgot disco deewanay?? This song is heavy on those millions and have hipped up your nation.. bohay bariya by hadiqa qiyani, chano by ali zafar (indian version sounded crap) etc etc...our music has rocked this region..so kindly accept the reality.. Similarly there are many more not mentioned here..

King Porus | 9 years ago | Reply The worst was "Dil Dil Hindustan" smh, ripping off Dil Dil Pakistan is just downright blasphemy, and they did a poor job at copying it,fortunately they can't plagiarize as easily as they used to but that was just horrendous, perhaps Pakistan should change it's national language to Dothraki, that way we'll be safe from plagiarism.

willed | 9 years ago | Reply "Ajeeb daastan hai ye" by Lata was a copy of : "Trying to get to you" Elvis presley

Ammar | 9 years ago | Reply @PERVAIZ Hassan jahangir himself copied Irani song

PK | 9 years ago | Reply @Rajesh "but the bollywood version sounds much much better than the original. We improve an ordinary song and make it enjoyable… ha ha.." Naa mate just really, really cringeworthy. You get all these Indians living in the west telling their white friends about "bollywood", and how its the biggest film industry in the world, and how indians are dominating. I just cringe, because they have no idea of the amount of plagiarism and black money that has gone into building that industry. And how utterly cheap it is. All indian remakes are cheap copies. Anyone who understands music, knows the originals are miles better. Indians have told me that, never mind Pakistanis. They know and acknowledge the superiority of Nusrat vs any Indian artist of the last 50 years.

Areeba Javaid | 9 years ago | Reply Lets not forget "kerle tu bi mohabbat" copied from Pakistan drama OST "Mera naam hei mohobat" - and both songs aren't that old either. I felt that the Indian version was incomplete and empty when I first heard it. Copied stuff is hollow and without inspiration.

azmat | 9 years ago | Reply @Rajesh: Keep the rest aside but tell it to any one who understands the ABC of music in India that you have improved on an original song of Nusrat Fateh Ali and Mehdi Hassan by adding some catchy words or sizzling dances and you may well be awarded with a flute - in your rear side though :)))

Bobb Mack | 9 years ago | Reply At least by copying or adapting each others' music the two countries show how their present, past and futrue is so intimately connected. I wish they can resolve their disputes honestly which would no doubt bring them even closer.

boshe | 9 years ago | Reply @vicky the difference is that Hollywood actually pays to sample music. They don't just rip it off and call it their own. In all these instances, they licensed those tracks for Hollywood movies. I have yet to see Bollywood license any Pakistani track. K.Jo may have licensed a couple of Hollywood tracks for his movies but that's about it. They may have had Pakistani artists sing for them but then no other artist has been compensated in the past.

PERVAIZ | 9 years ago | Reply WHAT ABOUT HASSAN JAHANGIR 'S " Hawa Hawa e Hawa " I THINK IT COPY IN MORE THEN 2 INDIAN FILM

Shan | 9 years ago | Reply Next headlines will be 'Bollywood survival only because of Pakistan'

Ali | 9 years ago | Reply Have you ever given a thought about how many Indian ads are shamelessly ripped off and made into Pak ads??

N.Sid | 9 years ago | Reply Copying Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan will only makes the song a cheap variant of the original one. India just doesn't have the 'Musical Gharanas' which Pakistan have...all have migrated to Pakistan after partition, including the Patiala. Classical, semi classical, Ghazzals, and even pop music of Pakistan is way superior. Every thing about Indian music is 'filmi' and 'cheap'.

Timorlane | 9 years ago | Reply Excellent dossier ET

Indian Guy | 9 years ago | Reply @Ahmed I agree... that was just funny and stupid

Vicky | 9 years ago | Reply Next time someone says that Bollywood copies Hollywood, then give them the gyan of how they have been taking inspiration from our Bollywood songs. There are many such songs that have been used in their movies or they have taken the music and used it in their albums. Check out how Hollywood has now been taking help or getting inspired from our Bollywood music and using it in their industry. When Hollywood Copied Bollywood Songs: Dum Dum Jelena Karleusa Tosic, professionally known under her maiden name Jelena Karleusa and initials JK, is a Serbian pop singer, and former columnist. She used the popular Dum Dum song starring Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh in her music album as Nova Religija. Chaiyya Chaiyya Hollywood film,Inside Man used Chaiyya Chaiyya for their opening credits. Chalka Chalka This song from Saathiya movie was used in the Hollywood flick Accidental Husband. Urvasi Urvasi Will.I.Am collaborated with Cody Wise for It's My Birthday, the Hollywood version of Urvasi Urvasi. Rafi Inspiration A Rafi song was used in the background in a particular scene of the Hollywood flick, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. Mela A song from Aamir Khan starrer Mela was used in the Hollywood flick, The Guru. Gumnaam In Hollywood flick Ghost World's opening credits, they had used Gumnaam song. Dhoom Machale Goga Sekulic is a Montenegrin and Serbian turbo-folk singer. She used the music of this song in her album as Naocare. Chamak Challo and Yeh Ishq Haaye Dara Bubamara is the stage name of a popular Serbian pop-folk singer who has sang her own version of these two popular Bollywood songs as Balkanac and Nemam Elana respectively. Mahi Mahi Violeta "Viki" Miljkovic is a Serbian singer who is popular in the former Yugoslav republics. She used the Mahi Mahi song from Priyanka Chopra starrer Kismat in her album as Mahi Mahi. She even retained a step from the movie as well.

Mark | 9 years ago | Reply @Rajesh: Because Bollywood can afford Auto-tune device because they dont have to pay anything to original artists.

Aafaq | 9 years ago | Reply They are copycats and do not possess any quality in their films. Just for the sake of money they are doing it all.

Ahmed | 9 years ago | Reply I don't mind about the others but you simply cannot ripoff ''Dil Dil Pakistan" and make "Dil Dil Hindustan".

Rajesh | 9 years ago | Reply Agree... but the bollywood version sounds much much better than the original. We improve an ordinary song and make it enjoyable... ha ha.. Out of the million songs which bollywood makes, few hundred songs copied is like drop in the ocean. Pakistanis have been enjoying Indian songs for more than half a century, giving few songs back wont hurt.

Spyrogyra | 9 years ago | Reply Nice! Pakistan has no lack of talent and after a hiatus of several years it is good to see performing arts making a comeback.

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