#LifeIsMusic: Popular Bollywood songs inspired by western music

Have you heard a familiar tune and think you know exactly what the song is before it even begins, only to realise it is completely different and not even in the language you assumed?

Well that's because some of Bollywood's most-popular songs have been inspired by western music.

Some of these songs are either direct lifts or a tasteful re-interpretation of the original. However before you feel disappointed, It is believed even Shakespeare’s plays were first written by other playwrights. 

Read the excerpt:

Here are a few songs from as far back as the ‘50s that were inspired by songs written by others.

Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandni Mein Hum (Film – Chori Chori: 1956)

Music director duo Shankar-Jaikishan probably took inspiration from OP Nayyar and in the same year composed this song that is lifted straight from an Italian folk song called Tarantella Napoletana.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (Film – CID.: 1956)

The song that every Mumbaikar relates to is actually lifted from an old American folk song, Oh My Darling. Legendary music director, OP Nayyar won the hearts of millions of Indians with this song that has its origins in the West of America sometime in the late 19th Century.

Mehbooba Oh Mehboba (Film – Sholay: 1975)

You’re probably heartbroken to know that this iconic song, from the cult film Sholay was a copy. Well, it is true. Mehbooba is almost a direct lift from the song Say You Love Me by Demis Roussos. But, it must be said that Mehbooba is a far better rendition of the song.

You can check out the entire list here.

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