30 Years of 'Khalnayak': The Legacy of 'Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai', Iconic Song with a Controversial Twist

The year was 1993, and the Indian film industry witnessed the release of a cinematic masterpiece that would leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the audience - 'Khalnayak.' Directed by the renowned Subhash Ghai, this film not only showcased exceptional performances by its lead actors but also stirred controversy with one of its iconic songs. With Sanjay Dutt's portrayal of Ballu, the film struck an emotional chord with viewers and went on to achieve significant success at the box office.

The movie's plot revolved around Ballu, essayed by Sanjay Dutt, who played the role of a terrorist. This characterization was highly unconventional and caused quite a sensation among the public. To add to the intrigue, just before the film's premiere, Sanjay Dutt found himself in legal trouble when he faced charges under the TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act) and Arms Act, leading to his arrest. This real-life incident inadvertently contributed to drawing parallels between Dutt's on-screen character and the events unfolding in his personal life.

However, it was not just Sanjay Dutt's performance that captivated the audience; it was the impeccable acting skills of the entire cast. Madhuri Dixit, the Bollywood diva, also shone in the film, leaving an indelible impression on viewers with her compelling portrayal. The chemistry between Dutt and Dixit on screen further added to the film's appeal.

#30YearsofKhalnayak 🎬#FilmfareAwards Best Singer - #AlkaYagnik & #IlaArun (Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai)Best Choreography - #SarojKhan (Choli Ke Peeche...) 2nd Highest Grosser of 1993 🔥#SanjayDutt #MadhuriDixit #JackieShroff #SubhashGhai #Rakhee #AnupamKher #Khalnayak pic.twitter.com/sbSCg7OJ9z

— Bollywood On This Day Box Office Records (@BoxOffice_Films) August 6, 2023

'Khalnayak' also achieved commercial success owing to its exceptional music, composed by the legendary duo of Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The lyrics, penned by the talented Anand Bakshi, beautifully complemented the captivating tunes. Among the film's songs, 'Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai...' stood out as a melodious and rhythmic number that garnered massive attention from music enthusiasts. The enchanting voices of Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun added a magical touch to the song, making it an instant hit.

However, along with its popularity, the song 'Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai...' became a subject of controversy. The song's suggestive content raised eyebrows and sparked debates about the portrayal of women in cinema. Director Subhash Ghai, during the celebration of the film's 30th anniversary, shed light on the song's creation. He revealed that the controversial song was initially conceived as a folk song, with the aim of presenting it creatively. Nonetheless, the unexpected public reaction to the song led to a significant uproar, eventually making it one of the most debated aspects of the film.

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Despite the controversies surrounding 'Khalnayak,' the film left an enduring impact on the audience. It served as a testament to the power of cinema to challenge societal norms and provoke discussions on critical issues. Even today, 'Khalnayak' is cherished and remembered fondly by many, and its songs continue to evoke nostalgia, prompting people to dance to its captivating tunes whenever they hear it.

- PTC PUNJABI