Here is a list of 10 Pakistani songs (and their cheap knockoffs) stolen by Bollywood without crediting the artist.
India may have one of the biggest film industries in the world, but their music industry is a disgrace. Although there are many big Indian artists, most of their singers rose to fame stealing songs from Pakistani artists. For years, Indian singers have ripped off original songs from Pakistani artists.
Bollywood has a history of stealing content. Taking “inspiration” from Hollywood is one thing, but blatantly ripping off Pakistani content is just petty.
Nach Punjabaan – Abrar-ul-Haq
Let’s start off with the most recent rip off.
Although Abrar-ul-Haq got an official credit to the song “Nach Punjabaan” by Karan Johar for the film Jug Jugg Jeeyo, other Pakistanis are still not given their due credit.
Boohey Barian – Hadiqa Kiani
Hadiqa Kiani became a mega pop star with the song written by her mother Khawar Kiani in 1996.
Years later, at least 2-3 Indian artists made money with their copies, none more blatantly than Kanika Kapoor’s “Buhe Bariyan”.
Bheega Bheega Sa Yeh December Hai – Abrar-ul-Haq
“Nach Punjabaan” is not the first song Bollywood stole from Abrar-ul-Haq and unfortunately, won’t be the last.
The funny part is India used the tune from Abrar-ul-Haq’s song to sing a “patriotic song”.
Koi Nawwan Lara La Ke – Noor Jehan
A classic by the legendary singer Noor Jehan for the 1970 film Vichhora. It is nice to know Indians kept track of our film industry.
Have to hand to Bollywood as they were slightly more subtle and less obvious while copying the song.
Dil Dil Pakistan – Vital Signs
From children to their parents know this iconic song by heart. Sung by Junaid Jamshed, “Dil Dil Pakistan” is almost a national anthem!
It seems India were in desperate need of a patriotic song of their own. Some “genius” in Bollywood had the clever idea of copying “Dil Dil Pakistan” without anyone finding out – change it to “Dil Dil Hindustan” (Slow clap for the man!)
Kadi Te Has Bol Ve – Shaukat Ali
If you think the song “Aahun Aahun” from the film Love Aaj Kal has a somewhat familiar chorus, you’re not wrong.
Bollywood made sure to bury the legacy of a Pakistani folk legend. Shaukat Ali made a name for himself singing classics like “Kadi Te Has Bol Ve” in the 1980s. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 without any recognition from Bollywood.
Sayonee – Junoon
Another recent ripoff from Bollywood. This is a song from arguably the greatest rock band to emerge from Southeast Asia.
India’s Arjit Singh is a talented singer, but he comes nowhere near the vocal powerhouse Ali Azmat. Bollywood really butchered the song.
Kinna Sohna Tenu Rabb Ne Banaya – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
The greatest qawwali and folk singer of all-time, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s entire discography is timeless. Even Hollywood made a special request to feature his song in their award-winning film Dead Man Walking.
Sadly, NFAK’s work is a gold mine for Bollywood executives who want to ripoff as many songs from the late legend as possible – including this travesty.
Hawwa Hawwa – Hassan Jahangir
Another timeless classic from the 80s, Hassan Jahangir became a superstar with this catchy song.
Mubarkaan director wanted something fun and colorful for his film’s soundtrack. Of course, Indian singers are useless at their job, so they figured it’s time to dive into the Pakistani music library again. In the words of Arsalan Nasee: “Bhai Wah!”
Larka Badnaam Hua Haseena Tere Liye – Umar Shareef
If the name of the song sounds eerily familiar to something you heard on the TV, than you are right! The late Pakistani legend, Umar Shareef was not just a comedian and actor, he was a part-time singer as well!
After a few tweaks, Bollywood proudly came out with “Munni Badnaam Hui” as an original soundtrack for Dabangg. Not a single word has been uttered to credit the late Pakistani comedian. Just goes to show how low Bollywood can stoop to.
Did we miss out any? Let us know in the comments below.
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