Though Bollywood is a powerhouse of talent, every once in a while a desi artist gets ‘inspired’ by the work of videshi artists. If it was genuine inspiration, it would have been alright. But when ‘inspiration’ is code for copying, it is certainly not cool.
However, for those of you who think it’s only Bollywood copying tunes, you’re in for a surprise or should we say shock. As far as music goes, there have been a number of Bollywood songs that have ‘inspired’ singers worldwide, and not just Hollywood .
Here are 10 Bollywood originals that have been ‘inspired’ international versions:
1. Don’t Phunk With My Heart, The Black Eyed Peas
Inspired by: Yeh Mera Dil (Don) and Aye Naujawan Hai Sab Kuchch Yahan (Apradh)
The Black Eyed Peas were ruling the 2000s like nobody’s business. This song in particular became an anthem of sorts for us Indians, since it was heavily inspired by two of Asha Bhonsle’s timeless songs. The songs added just the perfect tadka to Fergie’s moves and Will.I.Am’s rap.
2. Turntables, Ciara, Ft. Chris Brown
Inspired by: Kehna Hai Kya (Bombay)
It is absolutely impossible to listen to Rahman’s music and not be inspired by it. And that’s probably why Ciara’s song opens with Kehna Hai Kya, which is also the base track throughout the song. So, just in case you have ever wondered how it’d be to rap to a Rahman song, give this one a try!
3. Naocare, Goga Sekulic
Inspired by: Dhoom Machale (Dhoom 2)
During our quest for finding songs inspired by Bollywood, we realized that Serbian artists in particular, love our music. This song by Goga Sekulic is a perfect example of that. There are chances that while listening to this song, you might have Hrithik’s Dhoom Machale video playing in your head. That’s how similar the songs are!
4. Mare, The Black Eyed Peas
Inspired by: Hai Rama (Rangeela)
The Black Eyed Peas are to the West what Pritam is to us. Just close your eyes for the first five seconds of this song and you’ll be convinced that it’s Rangeela’s superhit track, till of course Will.I.Am’s boppin’ rap comes up.
5. Mahi Mahi, Violeta “Viki” Miljkovic
Inspired by: Mahi Mahi Mahi Mainu Chhalla (Kismat)
When we say that the Serbian’s are obsessed with Bollywood music, we mean it! Remember the song where Priyanka in a purple outfit is jumping and dancing around on a stage, while Bobby Deol ogles through his goggles in a brightly lit up room? That’s the song Viki Miljovic picked up and created waves with in the Serbian music industry.
6. Jimmy, M.I.A
Inspired by: Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja (Disco Dancer)
We bet that whenever you hear someone say “Jimmy” your reflexes make you shout “aaja aaja“. Well, that’s the magic of this superhit song, which perfectly sums up India’s disco generation. And that’s probably why M.I.A spinned it around and introduced the West to Jimmy!
7. What’s Happenin’, Method Man, Ft. Busta Rhymes
Inspired by: Dum Maro Dum (Hare Rama Hare Krishna)
Dum Maro Dum remains one of India’s top contributions to the world’s hippie culture. And guess what, Method Man couldn’t resist the brilliance of this song too. Mixin’ it up with some hip-hop, here’s an all new song!
