Original singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has sharply criticised the recreated version of the classic Biwi No.1 hit “Chunnari Chunnari”, which has been remade in Varun Dhawan’s upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The recreated track, which features Varun performing what was originally a Salman Khan–Karisma Kapoor chemistry gold standard, has sparked a fresh controversy, with Abhijeet pulling no punches in his assessment.
The core of the criticism
Speaking publicly, Abhijeet said the remake dilutes the original’s impact and called out Varun for repeatedly building his career on second‑hand films and recycled hits. He accused Varun of relying on old Bollywood songs and remakes of projects originally directed by his father, veteran filmmaker David Dhawan. The singer’s most cutting remark was straightforward:
“Varun Dhawan iss gaane se Salman Khan nahi ban sakta” (“Varun Dhawan cannot become Salman Khan using this song”).
He added, “There is a big difference between Salman Khan and Varun Dhawan,” drawing a direct comparison between the two stars’ stature.
Not informed, and not bothered
Abhijeet also revealed that no one from the film’s team reached out to him before recreating the song. Neither the music composer nor the director told him about the remake, which he said they “don’t have the guts” to inform him about openly. Surprisingly, he added that he didn’t like the original version either and isn’t particularly upset about the remake, noting cynically that “copies are sold more than the original” in today’s market.
Yet sharp on comparison
Despite not being bothered emotionally, Abhijeet stressed that the recreated track sounds more like a “bhajan” than the sensuous, romantic dance number the original was. He said Varun “can’t do justice to the song I sang” and that the decision to not retain his voice was wise, because otherwise he would have faced criticism. He also drew a brutal comparison:
“Salman Khan aur Varun Dhawan mein utna hi farak hai jitna Amitabh Bachchan aur Asrani mein hai” (“The difference between Salman Khan and Varun Dhawan is as big as that between Amitabh Bachchan and Asrani”).
The controversy has reignited the broader debate on Bollywood’s remake culture, the value placed on original hits, and whether today’s stars can truly carry the legacy of 90s icons like Salman Khan.