Anil Kapoor: Sukhwinder Singh wrote 'Hai Hai Mirchi' mid-flight for Biwi No 1
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Anil Kapoor has revealed that singer Sukhwinder Singh composed the iconic track 'Hai Hai Mirchi' spontaneously during a flight while working on the 1998 blockbuster Biwi No 1. The actor shared the behind-the-scenes anecdote on social media as the David Dhawan-directed comedy marked its 27th anniversary on 29 May 2025.
Anil Kapoor's Anniversary Note
Taking to social media, Kapoor penned an emotional tribute to the film, calling it one that felt special even during the making. 'Some films feel special, even as you're making them. Biwi No. 1 was truly one such film,' he wrote.
He recalled how the role — originally portrayed by Kamal Haasan — earned him a season full of awards and deepened his friendship with co-star Salman Khan. He also singled out his association with actress Tabu, noting that their two films together were 'both still living rent-free in people's hearts even after 27 years.'
The Story Behind 'Hai Hai Mirchi'
The most striking detail in Kapoor's post was the origin of 'Hai Hai Mirchi' — one of the film's most memorable songs. According to the actor, Sukhwinder Singh came up with the track on the spot while airborne. 'That's the kind of magic this film was made of,' Kapoor wrote, crediting the impromptu creation as emblematic of the film's spontaneous energy.
Kapoor closed his tribute by thanking director David Dhawan, producer Vashu Bhagnani, Ravi Jaffrey, and Sukhwinder Singh for what he called an 'unforgettable journey.'
Jackky Bhagnani Marks the Milestone Amid Legal Row
The anniversary celebrations come against the backdrop of an ongoing legal dispute. Producer Vashu Bhagnani has filed a lawsuit against Tips Industries and associated parties, alleging unauthorised use of intellectual property linked to Biwi No 1. Despite the controversy, his son Jackky Bhagnani chose to mark the occasion with a separate social media post.
On 27 May 2025, the makers of Biwi No 1 released a statement asserting that they are the 'lawful owners' of songs 'Chunnari Chunnari' and 'Ishq Sona Hai' from the film — which starred Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen.
Why Biwi No 1 Still Resonates
Biwi No 1 was among the biggest commercial hits of the late 1990s, with its music playing a central role in its popularity. The film's soundtrack, produced during a period when Bollywood masala comedies dominated the box office, continues to be streamed widely. The legal battle over its songs underscores the growing commercial value of legacy Bollywood intellectual property — a trend that has seen multiple disputes over catalogue rights in recent years.
With the ownership dispute still unresolved, the anniversary has reignited public interest in both the film's cultural legacy and the question of who controls its music rights going forward.