"Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte" () is a song from the 2008 Indian film ''
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
''Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'' (), also known as ''RNBDJ'', is a 2008 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Aditya Chopra and produced by him and his father Yash Chopra under their banner of Yash Raj Films. The film stars ...
'' rendered by
Sonu Nigam
Sonu Nigam (born 30 July 1973) is an Indian singer, music director and actor. He has been described in the media as one of the most popular and successful playback singers of Hindi Cinema and Kannada Cinema. He has been honoured by the Govern ...
. In the movie itself, it appears as a dream sequence
item number
In Indian cinema, an item number or item song is a musical number inserted into a film that may or may not have any relevance to the plot. The term is commonly used within Indian films (Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Punjabi, and Be ...
during another movie. The song reenacts famous scenes from Bollywood films, and is performed by
Shahrukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan (; born 2 November 1965), also known by the initialism SRK, is an Indian actor, film producer, and television personality who works in Hindi films. Referred to in the media as the " Baadshah of Bollywood", "King of Bollywood" ...
portraying a number of famous vintage Bollywood actors, opposite a series of other actresses who are also portraying vintage actors from the films. In chronological order, Shahrukh Khan plays opposite
Kajol
Kajol Devgan (née Mukherjee; born 5 August 1974), known mononymously as Kajol, is an Indian actress. Described in the media as one of the most successful actresses of Hindi cinema, she is the recipient of numerous accolades, including six F ...
,
Bipasha Basu
Bipasha Basu Singh Grover (born 7 January 1979) is an Indian actress and former model. Primarily known for her work in Hindi films, she has also appeared in Tamil, Telugu, Bengali and English films. Basu is the recipient of numerous accolade ...
,
Lara Dutta
Lara Dutta (born 16 April 1978) is an Indian actress, entrepreneur and the winner of the Miss Universe 2000 pageant. She was previously crowned as Miss Intercontinental 1997. In her career, she has primarily worked in Hindi films. She is the r ...
,
Preity Zinta
Preity G Zinta (pronounced ; born 31 January 1975) is an Indian actress and entrepreneur primarily known for her work in Hindi cinema, Hindi films. After graduating with degrees in English literature, English honours and criminal psychology, Z ...
and
Rani Mukerji
Rani Mukerji (pronounced ; born 21 March 1978) is an Indian actress who works in Hindi films. Noted for her versatility, she is the recipient of List of awards and nominations received by Rani Mukerji, multiple accolades, including seven Filmf ...
.
The five parts of the song correlate and pay homage to fifty years of
Bollywood
Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood and formerly as Bombay cinema, refers to the film industry based in Mumbai, engaged in production of motion pictures in Hindi language. The popular term Bollywood, is a portmanteau of "Bombay" (fo ...
and some of the biggest actors over the time span. The lyrics themselves are mostly composed of song or film titles from each actor portrayed. The chorus itself has an allusion to a
Kishore Kumar
Kishore Kumar (born as Abhas Kumar Ganguly (); 4 August 1929 – 13 October 1987) was an Indian playback singer and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest, most influential and dynamic singers in the history of Indian music.
He ...
movie ''
Nau Do Gyarah
''Nau Do Gyarah'' (; the Hindi idiom means "to run away") is a 1957 Indian Hindi-language comedy thriller film produced by Dev Anand. It also classifies as a road movie. This was his brother, Vijay Anand's directorial debut. The film stars Dev A ...
'' with the lyric "हम हैं राही प्यार कि" which is also a famous song in ''Nau Do Ghyarah''.
1950s
Raj Kapoor
Raj Kapoor (pronunciation: aːd͡ʒ kəpuːɾ born Shrishti Nath Kapoor; also known as Ranbir Raj Kapoor; 14 December 1924 2 June 1988) was an Indian actor, film director and producer, who worked in Hindi cinema. He is considered one of th ...
is the first actor to be portrayed by Shahrukh Khan, while
Kajol
Kajol Devgan (née Mukherjee; born 5 August 1974), known mononymously as Kajol, is an Indian actress. Described in the media as one of the most successful actresses of Hindi cinema, she is the recipient of numerous accolades, including six F ...
portrays
Nargis
Nargis Dutt (born Fatima Rashid; 1 June 1929 – 3 May 1981) was an Indian actress and politician who worked in Hindi cinema. Regarded as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema, she made her screen debut in a minor role ...
. The two acted in 16 films together.
There are many allusions to his movies throughout this part of the song.
The underlying melody is similar to that of "Awaara Hoon" from the 1951 film ''
Awaara
''Awaara'', also written ''Awāra'', ur, , Āvārā, group=n, name=HindiUrdu and known overseas as ''The Vagabond'', is a 1951 Indian Hindi crime drama film, produced and directed by Raj Kapoor, and written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. It stars Raj ...
''. In the video, the people on the arches are dressed similarly to Raj Kapoor's character in ''Awaara''. The second shot is of a giant
bowler hat
The bowler hat, also known as a billycock, bob hat, bombín (Spanish) or derby (United States), is a hard felt hat with a rounded crown, originally created by the London hat-makers Thomas and William Bowler in 1849. It has traditionally been worn ...
, again, reiterating the homage to ''Awaara''. Later on umbrellas appear paying tribute to ''
Shree 420
''Shree 420'' (also spelled as ''Shri 420''; ) is a 1955 Indian Hindi comedy-drama film directed and produced by Raj Kapoor from a story written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas whose use of Shree with the negative connotations of 420 caused controversy. ...
''.
The first line is "Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua" which is the name of a famous song from ''Shree 420'' and "Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan" from ''
Mera Naam Joker
''Mera Naam Joker'' () is a 1970 Indian Hindi romance drama film, directed, edited and produced by Raj Kapoor under his banner R. K. Films, and written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. The film stars Raj Kapoor as the eponymous character, with his son Ri ...
''.
The next stanza makes reference to three more movies, ''
Chhalia
''Chhalia'' is a 1960 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Manmohan Desai. It stars Raj Kapoor, Nutan, Pran, Rehman and Shobhna Samarth. The story is loosely based on the 1848 short story "White Nights" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, but is ...
'' (1960), ''
Anari Anari may refer to:
Films
* ''Anari'' (1959 film), a Bollywood film directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee
* ''Anari'' (1975 film), a Bollywood film directed by Asit Sen, starring Shashi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore and Moushumi Chatterjee
* ''Anari'' (1 ...
'' (1959), ''
Awaara
''Awaara'', also written ''Awāra'', ur, , Āvārā, group=n, name=HindiUrdu and known overseas as ''The Vagabond'', is a 1951 Indian Hindi crime drama film, produced and directed by Raj Kapoor, and written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. It stars Raj ...
'' (1951), and ''
Sangam'' (1964).
"माना दिल तो है अनारी, ये आवारा ही सही। अरे बोल राधा, बोल संगम होगा की नहीं।"
''Chhalia'', ''Anari'', ''Awaara'' and ''Sangam'' are all names of movies.
The melody changes from "Awaara Houn" to "
Mera Joota Hai Japani
''Mera Joota Hai Japani'' (; ) is a Hindi song with music by Shankar Jaikishan and lyrics by Shailendra, written for the 1955 Bollywood film ''Shree 420''. It was performed by popular Bollywood star Raj Kapoor, though actually sung by playbac ...
" from ''
Shree 420
''Shree 420'' (also spelled as ''Shri 420''; ) is a 1955 Indian Hindi comedy-drama film directed and produced by Raj Kapoor from a story written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas whose use of Shree with the negative connotations of 420 caused controversy. ...
'' at the line above.
1960s
The song spends two stanzas on the 1960s to pay tribute to big actors of different styles. The first is
Dev Anand
Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand (26 September 1923 – 3 December 2011), better known as Dev Anand, was an Indian actor, writer, director and producer known for his work in Hindi cinema, through a career that spanned over six decades. He was ...
and the second is
Shammi Kapoor
Shammi Kapoor (born Shamsher Raj Kapoor; (pronounced ʌmːi kʌpuːɾ 21 October 1931 – 14 August 2011) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. He is the recipient of two Filmfare Awards, winning in the categories of Best Actor f ...
.
Dev Anand is the next man to be paid homage and
Bipasha Basu
Bipasha Basu Singh Grover (born 7 January 1979) is an Indian actress and former model. Primarily known for her work in Hindi films, she has also appeared in Tamil, Telugu, Bengali and English films. Basu is the recipient of numerous accolade ...
portrays
Sadhana,
Making: Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte
/ref> dressed in white with red roses in her hair and styled churidar, styled in a 60s fashion. The opening melody is similar to that of "Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara" from Jewel Thief
''Jewel Thief'' is a 1967 Indian Hindi-language Spy film, spy thriller (genre), thriller heist film directed by Vijay Anand (Hindi film maker), Vijay Anand. The film stars Ashok Kumar, Dev Anand, Vyjayantimala and features four bond girl-like a ...
. The first line of the stanza is "Dil ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar" which is the name of a song from Anand's 1963 movie ''Tere Ghar Ke Samne
''Tere Ghar Ke Samne'' (English: ''In Front of Your House'') is a 1963 Hindi film. Released on 1 January 1963, it was a major hit in India, taking the sixth spot in highest grossing films of the year. The film, produced by Dev Anand and written ...
''.
''"Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai
''Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai '' () is a 1961 Hindi-language musical comedy film that became a box office hit. It was written, produced, and directed by Nasir Hussain. The first film Hussain ever produced, it featured Dev Anand and Hussain fixt ...
"'' is the next line, and is the name of a 1961 film.
The third line, "Jiya ohh, Jiya Kuch Boldon" is a line from ''Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hais title song.
The next stanza starts with the line "Tere Ghar ke Samne Ghar Banaunga", an allusion to the first line of the aforementioned movie's title song.
The last two lines are from the same song "Pal Bhar Ke Liye" from the 1970 movie ''Johny Mera Naam
''Johny Mera Naam'' () is a 1970 Indian Hindi-language crime action film directed by Vijay Anand. The film stars the director's brother, Dev Anand and Pran in the roles of brothers separated in childhood. Hema Malini, Jeevan, Premnath, I. S. ...
''.
Khan portrays Shammi Kapoor
Shammi Kapoor (born Shamsher Raj Kapoor; (pronounced ʌmːi kʌpuːɾ 21 October 1931 – 14 August 2011) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. He is the recipient of two Filmfare Awards, winning in the categories of Best Actor f ...
in the third part of the song. His co-star is Lara Dutta
Lara Dutta (born 16 April 1978) is an Indian actress, entrepreneur and the winner of the Miss Universe 2000 pageant. She was previously crowned as Miss Intercontinental 1997. In her career, she has primarily worked in Hindi films. She is the r ...
who plays Helen
Helen may refer to:
People
* Helen of Troy, in Greek mythology, the most beautiful woman in the world
* Helen (actress) (born 1938), Indian actress
* Helen (given name), a given name (including a list of people with the name)
Places
* Helen, ...
, colorfully dressed, with jewels and feathers in a high hair bun.
The underlying tune is "O Haseena Zulfon Wale" from the 1966 movie ''Teesri Manzil
''Teesri Manzil'' (English: "Third Floor") is a 1966 Indian musical thriller film directed by Vijay Anand and produced by Nasir Hussain. It starred Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh, along with Laxmi Chhaya, Premnath, Prem Chopra, Iftekhar, Hele ...
''. The set copies that of the song in the movie, and is also the first line of this stanza. Right before the song starts though, the melody changes from "O Haseena" to "Aaja Aaja" from the same movie. The next line is "Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe" from the 1961 movie ''Junglee
Junglee may refer to:
* ''Junglee'' (1961 film), an Indian film
* ''Junglee'' (2009 film), a Kannada-language Indian film
* ''Junglee'' (2019 film), a Hindi-language Indian film
* Junglee.com, a defunct e-commerce website by Amazon.com
*Junglee, a ...
''. The last line is from the film ''Prince
A prince is a male ruler (ranked below a king, grand prince, and grand duke) or a male member of a monarch's or former monarch's family. ''Prince'' is also a title of nobility (often highest), often hereditary, in some European states. Th ...
'' (1969) which is "Badan Pe Sitare" which feature Shammi Kapoor
Shammi Kapoor (born Shamsher Raj Kapoor; (pronounced ʌmːi kʌpuːɾ 21 October 1931 – 14 August 2011) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. He is the recipient of two Filmfare Awards, winning in the categories of Best Actor f ...
with Vyjayanthimala
Vyjayanthimala (born 13 August 1936) is a former Indian actress, dancer and parliamentarian. She is the recipient of several accolades, including two BFJA Awards and five Filmfare Awards. She made her screen debut at the age of thirteen with ...
.
1970s
The set of the penultimate stanza is a cartoon version of ''Aap Ki Kasam
''Aap Ki Kasam'' (English: ''I swear by you'') is a 1974 Indian Hindi romance film produced by J. Om Prakash, which also marks his directorial debut. The film stars Rajesh Khanna, Mumtaz, Sanjeev Kumar, Rehman, Asrani and A. K. Hangal. The musi ...
s "Jai Jai Shiv Shankar". Rajesh Khanna
Rajesh Khanna () (; born Jatin Khanna; 29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in Hindi films. He is called as the "First Superstar of Hindi cinema", he consecutively starred in a record ...
is the actor and Preity Zinta
Preity G Zinta (pronounced ; born 31 January 1975) is an Indian actress and entrepreneur primarily known for her work in Hindi cinema, Hindi films. After graduating with degrees in English literature, English honours and criminal psychology, Z ...
represents Sharmila Tagore
Sharmila Tagore (also known as Begum Ayesha Sultana; born 8 December 1944) is a retired Indian actress, primarily known for her work in Hindi and Bengali cinema, Tagore is the recipient of two National Film Awards, a Filmfare Award, and the Fi ...
. The opening melody and scene is similar to that of "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani" from '' Aradhana'', in which both Khanna and Tagore acted, hinting at the pairing. This song is later alluded to.
In the first scene, Zinta is reading a book called ''Amar Prem
''Amar Prem'' () is a 1972 Indian Hindi romantic drama film directed by Shakti Samanta. It is a remake of the Bengali film '' Nishi Padma'' (1970), directed by Arabinda Mukherjee, who wrote screenplay for both the films based on the Bengali s ...
'', which is also the name of a Rajesh Khanna movie. The first two lines are from "Jai Jai Shiv Shankar".
The third line alludes to his 1985 film ''Zamana''. The next line repeats the name of '' Mere Jeevan Saathi'' from 1972. The last line of the first stanza is the name of a song ("Zindagi Ek Safar") from the 1971 movie '' Andaz''. The second stanza holds two more allusions to ''Amar Prem
''Amar Prem'' () is a 1972 Indian Hindi romantic drama film directed by Shakti Samanta. It is a remake of the Bengali film '' Nishi Padma'' (1970), directed by Arabinda Mukherjee, who wrote screenplay for both the films based on the Bengali s ...
'' and again ''Mere Jevan Saathi'' and following lines "mere sapno ki raani" lyrics of evergreen song "mere sapno ki rani kab aayegi thu"
'' Aradhana'' with the lines/song titles "Kuch Toh Log Kahenge" and "O Mere Dil Ke Chain".
1980s
Rishi Kapoor
Rishi Raj Kapoor (4 September 1952 — 30 April 2020) was an Indian actor, film director and producer who worked in Hindi films
Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood and formerly as Bombay cinema, refers to the film industry base ...
is the last actor to be portrayed and Rani Mukerji
Rani Mukerji (pronounced ; born 21 March 1978) is an Indian actress who works in Hindi films. Noted for her versatility, she is the recipient of List of awards and nominations received by Rani Mukerji, multiple accolades, including seven Filmf ...
portrays Neetu Singh
Neetu Kapoor (born Harneet Kaur), is an Indian actress who is known for appearing in Hindi films throughout the late 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s. In 2012, Singh was inducted into the Walk of the Stars, an entertainment hall of fame at Bandra ...
. The first melody is "Bachna Ae Haseeno" from ''Hum Kisise Kum Naheen
''Hum Kisise Kum Naheen'' () is a 1977 Indian musical drama film produced and directed by Nasir Hussain. It took the third top spot at the box office in 1977.
The film stars
Rishi Kapoor, Tariq Khan, Kaajal Kiran, Amjad Khan and Zeenat Aman ...
'' (1977). The song "Dard-E-Dil" from '' Karz'' (1980) starts off the second line and the movie '' Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai'' (1981) finishes. Second line, another blatant allusion to ''Hum Kisise Kum Naheen'', sung to the tune of "Ek Haseena Thi" from ''Karz''. The last line, "Yeh vaada raha, o meri chandni," has allusions to the films '' Yeh Vaada Raha'' (1982) and '' Chandni'' (1989).
Notes
{{reflist
Hindi film songs
2008 singles
Sonu Nigam songs
2008 songs
Cultural depictions of Rajesh Khanna