Amidst fierce criticism over the recreated version of the Biwi No. 1 classic “Chunnari Chunnari”, veteran music composer Anu Malik has stepped in to defend the remake and shower praise on Varun Dhawan’s dance performance in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. While singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya slammed the remake and questioned Varun’s ability to carry the iconic track, Malik, the original composer, has wholeheartedly backed the recreation as timeless.
Taking to Instagram, Anu Malik shared a video of Varun’s performance and expressed how thrilled he was to see the song brought back to life by a new generation of stars. He said:
“Guys, it’s been so long since I saw the song on a superstar on Varun Dhawan’s face. Earlier also this song was super hit when it came on Salman Khan. And Salman Khan took it to a different level.”
“I was jumping with joy”
Malik went on to reveal his emotional reaction to Varun’s dancing:
“And today again, when I saw Varun, I was jumping with joy. What a dance, those girls are looking so beautiful… Ramesh ji you have again created history with my song.”
He then turned his attention directly to Varun, praising his energy and fluidity:
“Varun, tu kya nacha hai yaar. Kya lag raha hai gaana. Congratulations.”
(“Varun, what a dance you’ve done, man. The song looks amazing. Congratulations.”)
Calling the song timeless
Malik also asserted that the track’s legacy transcends generations:
“Pehle bhi gaana super hit tha, aaj bhi super hit aur kal bhi super hit rahega.”
(“The song was a superhit earlier, it’s still a superhit today, and it will remain a superhit tomorrow as well.”)
Celebrating his bond with David Dhawan
The composer also used the moment to celebrate his long-standing creative partnership with director David Dhawan, noting that any film by David Dhawan and Anu Malik is always worth watching. He expressed his excitement for the film’s release.
The backlash
While Malik’s support has been a morale booster for Varun, the song has faced backlash from fans and critics who feel the remake diminishes the original’s charm. The controversy has now turned into a broader debate about whether Bollywood should continue recreating classics or craft new music for modern audiences.
With Anu Malik’s backing, however, the song’s defenders now have a powerful ally in the composer himself, who clearly sees the remake as a tribute rather than a betrayal of the original.