20 Bollywood Songs That Were “INSPIRED” From Western Music
Bollywood has never shied away from the fact that it “borrows” songs from Hollywood. Over the decades we have seen Bollywood ape their music and the songs have turned out to be huge hits. Even Veteran musicians such as RD Burman have taken inspiration from western music and many of his compositions have hints of western Rock n’ Roll and Jazz.
Here are 25 popular songs from different eras of Bollywood that were blatant copies of — or as the music directors prefer to call it — ‘inspired from’ the West.
1. Akele Hain To Kya Gam Hai (Qyamat se Qyamat tak)
Who says classics of Bollywood are original? Music copied from Return to the Alamo (Shadows), the song came out in 1988 and is sung by two of the most popular singers of the time.
2. Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya (Title)
Inspired by Regan’s Theme (Finale) from the Exorcist II: The Heretic (Soundtrack) by Ennio Morricone
3. Dil Na Diya (Krrish)
Apparently Rajesh Roshan was inspired for this song by the Turkish Military March Track Ceddin Deden
4. Mil Gaya Hum ko Saathi (Hum Kisi se Kam Nahin)
Inspired from one of the greatest songs ever, Mama Mia by ABBA. It shows Bollywood doesn’t really want to hide their inspiration either.
5. Mehbooba Mehbooba (Sholay)
Shockingly inspired from the Arabic song Ta Rialia by Mihalis Violaris
6. Tumne Jo Kahan (Laawaris)
Inspired from the popular number Barbie Girl by Aqua, this song comes under the worst category of rip-offs. Listen to it at your own risk.
7. Kya Kehna (Kya Kehna)
I wouldn’t use the word “inspired” here. The song is copied exactly from Oh Carol by the legendary Neil Sedaka.
8. Jai Kaali (Karan Arjun)
What? Jai Kaali? Yes, apparently Bollywood can copy any kind of song and turn it into a whole different thing. This song was inspired from It’s all Right by East 17.
9. Chaand Sitaare (Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai)
Rajesh Roshan finds the most unique inspirations. This song from the debut film of his son Hrithik Roshan was inspired from Voices (The Music Of Vangelis) by L’Orchestra Electronique.
10. Koi Mil Gaya (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai)
Shah Rukh Khan was not the first one to dance and romance on this tune. The song was inspired creatively from Take That Look off Your Face by Stephanie Lawrence, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
11. Aate Jaate Hanste Gaate (Maine Pyaar Kiya)
Remember this song from your favorite Salman Khan movie? Didn’t it have that familiar sounding feel with it? Obviously! It was inspired from the popular Stevie Wonder song I just called to say I love you.
12. O mere Sapnon Ke (Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin)
The song was very popular at the time. And why shouldn’t it be! It was copied from the legendary track Bachelor Boy by Cliff Richard.
13. Gela Gela (Aitraaz)
Gela Gela was sung by Adnan Sami and Sunidhi Chauhan they told us. What they failed to mention was that it was taken from Thoia Thoing by R. Kelly.
14. Babuji Dheere Chalna (Aar Paar)
You’d think the classic oldies were original. Well, not quite! This evergreen track is inspired from the Spanish song Quizás, Quizás, Quizás by Cuban which was released in 1947 and has had many versions of it released since.
15. Pal Pal… Har Pal (Lage Raho Munna Bhai)
This song is crooned by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal. The music was given by Shantanu Moitra who was “inspired” from Theme of My Dreams by Cliff Richards
16. Pretty Woman (Kal Ho Naa Ho)
It was copied from one of the most beautiful songs ever made in history, Oh Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison)
17. Kaho Na Kaho (Murder)
The song was copied from the Ahmet Koç’s Tamally Maak. Well, it is composed by the talented Anu Malik.
18. Shikdum (Dhoom)
Crooned by Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal, and copied from Shikidim (Tarkan).
19. Tu hi Meri Shab Hain (Gangster)
Another superhit Bollywood song and a rip off from Sacral Nirvana by Oliver Shanti & Friends.
20. Pehli Nazar (Race)
Romantic anthem of a lot of people, this song was copied from Korean song Sarang Hae Yo by Kim Hyung Su.
Did that change your views about Bollywood music? I’ve only mentioned 20 songs but feel free to mention more songs if you find any in the comments below!
