shot-button
Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi
Home > Entertainment News > Bollywood News > Article > Imagine a publisher rewriting a classic only because he has rights

'Imagine a publisher rewriting a classic only because he has rights'

Updated on: 10 April,2020 08:05 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Uma Ramasubramanian |

As Masakali 2.0 faces flak from music lovers, Delhi 6 director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra slams makers of reprised version for 'destroying' original song

'Imagine a publisher rewriting a classic only because he has rights'

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

Such is the love for the Delhi 6 song that a decade since its release, fans vividly remember Sonam K Ahuja dancing to Masakali with a pigeon on her head. It's hardly surprising then that the reprised version, Masakali 2.0 — featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria, and recreated by Tanishk Bagchi — has drawn criticism from all quarters. AR Rahman, usually a man of few words, too indicated his displeasure as he urged music lovers to listen to the original gem.


mid-day reached out to Delhi 6 director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, who revealed that coincidentally, he was writing about Masakali in his biography when word of the remix reached him. "I have dedicated half a page in the chapter to Masakali," he says.


pic
Sidharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria in the Masakali remix


The filmmaker asserts it is disrespectful to revisit a song without seeking the permission of the creators. "When I meet Bhushan [Kumar, chairman, T-Series], I will tell him that they need to consult the creators. Otherwise, people will keep destroying our original work. Rahman, Prasoon [Joshi, lyricist] and I have spent days creating the song. It is [the equivalent of] a publisher rewriting a classic, [adding] gibberish to it, only because he has the rights to the book." Lyricist Prasoon Joshi, who coined the term 'Masakali', laments, "The word is not part of any language. I tried to infuse meaning in it through imagery. These things are created with heart, so when they are re-used for commercial purposes, it is sad."

pic
Sonam K Ahuja in Masakali song

Meanwhile, Adil Sheikh, who directed the latest number, says, "The intention was not to hurt anyone. The song was made only to refresh the listeners' memories."

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK