Singer Udit Narayan revealed he was approached to sing ‘Dekha Tenu’ for ‘Mr & Mrs Mahi’. The new track featured popular lines from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’s iconic song ‘Shava Shava’ originally sung by Udit Narayan as the chorus while maestro Jaani penned the lyrics of the remaining recreated version. In an exclusive chat with News18.com, Udit confessed he was asked to sing the recreation but he put the offer on hold for four months. Udit said he didn’t know the song was being recreated for a film produced by Karan Johar.
Dekha Tenu was released earlier this month. The song was sung by Mohammad Faiz, and it featured Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao. “It is my mistake," Udit confessed. “They were going to make me sing this song, this is true. They approached me and waited for four months as well," Udit admitted. He added that there was a miscommunication due to which he wasn’t committing to singing the ‘Mr & Mrs Mahi’ song.
“I was told the song was being recreated for a Rajkummar Rao film. Galti waha hui ke jisne phone kiya, wo clear nahi kar rahe the ke same gaana jo gaaya hai, wo recreate karna hai mujhe (The gaffe happened when the person who approached me did not provide me details about the recreation). They didn’t tell me it is a Karan Johar film either. I presumed it was a newbie composer who was recreating it and I didn’t pay enough attention. I am being very honest, it is my mistake. There was confusion here and even I didn’t know but I do remember they waited for me, they wanted me to be a part of the song. If I had gotten a clear picture, I wouldn’t have done this," Udit said.
Although he lost out on the song, Udit sent his best wishes to Mohammad Faiz. He added that he was glad a new singer got the opportunity to sing the track. “Communication sahi nahi mila, but koi baat nahi, a new singer has sung the song and I send him my good wishes," he said.
Udit Narayan is known for singing his recreations. From Cheez Badi (Machine), Sabse Aage Honge Hindustani (Street Dancer 3D), and Tip Tip Barsa Paani (Sooryavanshi), to Main Khiladi Tu Anari 2.O (Selfie), Udd Jaa Kaale Kaava and Main Nikla Gaddi Leke (Gadar 2), and Papa Kehte Hain (Srikanth), Udit has collaborated with several musicians to recreate the magic of his OG songs.
We asked Udit if he regrets missing out on the opportunity, the singer admitted that he does feel bad. “On one side, I am feeling bad but on the other, I am also happy that a new singer got an opportunity to sing," he said. Detailing his answer, Udit said, “I am a workaholic. I thought whatever songs of mine are getting recreated, I would love to sing them myself. And all of them became popular once again. I shouldn’t have missed the opportunity but somehow there was a mistake. But on the bright side, the song that I once sang got recreated and people are loving it. That’s a good sign."
On a parting note, Udit said that he is glad people still want to listen to his songs. “People still want to listen to my songs, it is a proud moment for me," he said.
