The upcoming David Dhawan-directed romantic comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is drawing heavy criticism from one of Bollywood’s most outspoken veteran voices. Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has reacted strongly against the newly recreated version of his iconic track ‘Chunnari Chunnari’, which serves as a major promotional number for the upcoming film ahead of its theatrical debut on June 5.
Originally composed for David Dhawan’s 1999 blockbuster Biwi No. 1, the timeless dance anthem famously starred Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen. The 2026 iteration features Varun Dhawan performing alongside leading ladies Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde.
“Salman Khan Was a Rising Star, Not a Manufactured Product”
Amid highly polarized reactions from audiences online regarding the remix, Abhijeet spoke candidly to news agency ANI, drawing sharp comparisons between the star power of the original lead and the modern-day casting.
“This song was one of the biggest milestones of Salman Khan’s career,” Abhijeet stated. “Since its release, it has continued to remain popular and trending. It remains his absolute biggest hit. At that point in 1999, Salman was still an organically rising star and not yet a massive superstar.”
The singer then took a direct, unvarnished swipe at Varun Dhawan’s career trajectory and his reliance on legacy content. “The actor has primarily done second-hand films, especially when his father directed the original films. He continuously uses the exact same songs that were already massive historical hits.” “Varun Dhawan iss gaane se Salman Khan nahin ban sakta (Varun Dhawan cannot become a Salman Khan just by recreating this song). There is a massive, unbridgeable difference between Salman Khan and Varun Dhawan.”
Remake Criticized as a “Bhajan”
Abhijeet did not hold back on the technical and creative execution of the track, expressing deep disappointment over how the modern arrangement stripped the song of its original energy.
Abhijeet Bhattacharya: “When I heard this new song, I honestly thought it was a bhajan (devotional hymn). ‘Chunnari Chunnari’ was originally conceived as a high-energy, vibrant romantic track, and they have now turned it into a slow devotional melody.”
Produced by Ramesh Taurani’s Tips Films, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai—whose very title is inspired by another hit song from Biwi No. 1—is locked to hit theaters nationwide on June 5.
