Anu Mallik on Chunari Chunari debate: 'Salman took it to another level, Varun danced his heart out'
Synopsis
Anu Mallik, who composed the original 'Chunari Chunari' for Biwi No. 1, has refused to take sides in the Salman Khan vs Varun Dhawan debate, praising both performers. His measured response contrasts sharply with singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya's blunt critique that Varun cannot become Salman using his songs.
Key Takeaways
Composer Anu Mallik reacted to the online debate comparing Salman Khan and Varun Dhawan over the remake of 'Chunari Chunari' .
The remake was made for the film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai ; the original featured in Biwi No.
Mallik praised both, saying 'Salman took the song to a different level, and Varun has also danced his heart out.' Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya , who voiced the original, reportedly slammed the remake, saying Varun cannot become Salman using his songs.
Mallik credited actors including Shah Rukh Khan , Salman Khan , and Akshay Kumar for elevating his compositions over the years.
Veteran composer Anu Mallik, who originally scored the iconic 'Chunari Chunari' for the 1999 film Biwi No. 1, has weighed in on the heated online debate comparing Salman Khan and Varun Dhawan, after the song was remade for the upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The composer, known for his decades-long career in Hindi film music, chose to rise above the controversy with a characteristically upbeat stance.
The Trolling That Sparked the Debate
The remake of 'Chunari Chunari' drew sharp criticism from netizens within days of its release, with many accusing Varun Dhawan of failing to match the energy and charisma Salman Khan had brought to the original track. Social media was flooded with side-by-side comparisons, and Dhawan faced significant trolling over his rendition of the song. The backlash reignited conversations about the broader trend of remaking Bollywood classics.
What Anu Mallik Said
Speaking in an exclusive interaction, Mallik distanced himself from the negativity surrounding the debate. 'I think we should not get into it. Frankly, I never get into that. I don't even think about such things. I have been a positive person all my life, and I like to see good in people. I have not been raised to see the bad in people,' he said.
The composer also reflected on the role great actors have played in elevating his compositions. 'As a composer, I am Anu Mallik also because I have had great actors in my life. I have been blessed to have Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Chintu ji, Hema Ji, and others. I do a song with the mindset that if I am making the song with 100% dedication, the actor will take it to 1000%, and that is the only way I have seen life,' he stated.
Praise for Both Versions
Rather than choosing sides, Mallik offered praise for both performers. 'Salman took the song to a different level, and Varun has also danced his heart out,' he said. He added that 'Chunari Chunari' will always remain close to the hearts of music lovers, regardless of its various iterations.
Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya's Sharper Critique
Not everyone has been as measured. Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, who lent his voice to the original track, reportedly slammed the remake, saying that Varun cannot become Salman by using his songs. Bhattacharya's remarks added fuel to an already charged debate about remakes and the expectations they carry.
The Broader Remake Debate
The controversy around 'Chunari Chunari' is part of a recurring pattern in Bollywood, where remakes of beloved songs from the 1990s and 2000s routinely attract comparisons with the originals. Critics argue that such remakes often struggle to escape the shadow of iconic performances. Whether Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai can overcome the backlash at the box office remains to be seen.
Point of View
Built on recycling hits from the 1990s, is serving audiences or simply monetising memory. Abhijeet Bhattacharya's blunter take reflects a frustration shared by many original collaborators who watch their work reimagined with diminishing creative returns. The trolling of Varun Dhawan may be disproportionate, but it signals audience fatigue with remakes that prioritise IP recognition over artistic merit. The industry would do well to hear that signal rather than dismiss it as negativity.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Varun Dhawan trolled for the Chunari Chunari remake?
Varun Dhawan was trolled after netizens compared his performance in the remade 'Chunari Chunari' — made for Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai — unfavourably with Salman Khan's rendition in the 1999 original from Biwi No. 1. Many felt the remake failed to match the energy of the iconic original.
What did Anu Mallik say about the Salman Khan vs Varun Dhawan debate?
Composer Anu Mallik said he chooses to see only the positive, refusing to engage with the negativity. He praised both performers, saying 'Salman took the song to a different level, and Varun has also danced his heart out.'
What did singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya say about the Chunari Chunari remake?
Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, who voiced the original track, reportedly slammed the remake and said that Varun Dhawan cannot become Salman Khan by using his songs. His remarks were sharper than Mallik's measured response.
Which films are the original and remake versions of Chunari Chunari from?
The original 'Chunari Chunari' was composed by Anu Mallik for the 1999 film Biwi No. 1, featuring Salman Khan. The remade version, titled 'Chunari Chunari', has been created for the upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, featuring Varun Dhawan.
Who has Anu Mallik credited for elevating his songs over the years?
Anu Mallik credited actors including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and others for taking his compositions to a higher level. He said his philosophy is to compose with 100% dedication and trust that great actors will take the song to 1000%.
