When Hindi song Kajra Re from the movie, Bunty Aur Babli burst onto the scene in 2005, it instantly became one of the most unforgettable musical moments of Bollywood. Its lively rhythm, seamless fusion of classical and contemporary styles and the rare combination of Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan in one frame gave it an iconic status. However, behind its success lies a surprising story of initial hesitation and creative disagreement.
Director Shaad Ali recently reflected on the journey of the song and revealed that it almost didn’t make it to the screen. When he first heard just a few seconds of the track, he was convinced of its potential. However, the studio didn’t share his enthusiasm, ranking it as the least promising track on the album. What’s more, Amitabh Bachchan himself expressed strong reservations about it, going so far as to suggest that the song not be filmed at all.
Determined to prove its worth, Shaad Ali invited Amitabh Bachchan to listen to the full composition. Even then, the veteran actor remained unconvinced, feeling the song lacked a compelling creative foundation. In particular, he was hesitant about participating in the jugalbandi section of the song, the musical interplay that kicks off the number. Shaad Ali had hoped Amitabh Bachchan would perform those lines but the actor declined, insisting that singer Shankar Mahadevan should handle them instead.
Though Amitabh Bachchan eventually agreed to be a part of the number, he remained doubtful about its impact. Shaad Ali recounted that while the legendary actor was filming another project, possibly Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, he remarked that what he was currently shooting was a “real” item song, indirectly suggesting that Kajra Re lacked the necessary flair. Shaad Ali, however, quietly held on to his belief in the song’s power.
When Kajra Re finally hit the screens, it was met with widespread acclaim and rapidly climbed the music charts. The chemistry between the three stars, particularly Aishwarya Rai’s dazzling dance performance and captivating screen presence, turned the song into an instant classic. Abhishek’s charismatic performance and Amitabh’s effortless charm completed the unforgettable trio.
The turning point in this journey came when Amitabh Bachchan sent a message to Shaad after witnessing the song’s success. In a gracious gesture, he admitted to misjudging it, offering a heartfelt apology for second-guessing the director’s vision. Shaad recalled this moment fondly and emphasised that the song simply wouldn’t have had the same magic without Amitabh’s presence.
Kajra Re remains etched in the memory of Bollywood fans, not just for its musical brilliance but also for the story behind it, a testament to creative conviction and the power of belief in one’s vision, even in the face of skepticism from the greatest of icons.
