In a groundbreaking move, a full-fledged Bollywood-style song and dance sequence has been incorporated into an international Arabic movie for the first time. This unprecedented fusion of cultures marks a significant milestone in the growing relationship between Bollywood and the Arab world.
The Arabic film, titled "Sambosa Chapati," features a song called "Kidher Kidher". The song is directed by Saugat Bhattacharya, with vocals by Nakash Aziz, a popular Indian singer, and choreography by Mudassar Khan, a well-known Bollywood choreographer. The vibrant and colorful production was filmed in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, with over 200 dancers.
This event is particularly noteworthy as it represents a significant integration of Bollywood elements into mainstream Arabic cinema. Ahmed Sharif, the lead actor in "Sambosa Chapati," has mentioned taking inspiration from Bollywood superstar Salman Khan for his acting and dancing in the movie.
The inclusion of Bollywood-style music and dance in Arabic cinema is not entirely new. Numerous Bollywood songs have drawn inspiration from Arabic tunes, incorporating Arabic musical elements and even language into their compositions. Some examples include "Mayya Mayya", "Dil Cheez Tujhe Dedi", and "Ya Ali". Moreover, several collaborations and remixes have blended Bollywood and Arabic music. In 2015, the song "Gerua" from the movie "Dilwale" was remade into an Emirati Arabic version titled "Telagina," and other Indian music companies have since produced "Arabized" Bollywood songs.
Recently, Zee Entertainment Middle East launched its Arabic channels, Zee Alwan and Zee Aflam, on TCL Smart TVs to bring Bollywood content to homes in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco. This initiative allows viewers to access Bollywood movies and Indian drama series dubbed and subtitled in Arabic.
Saif Ali Khan also attended the Arab Media Summit in 2025, expressing his desire for greater collaboration between the Indian and Arab media. He emphasized the strong connection he feels with Arab audiences, highlighting their shared cinematic culture and love for storytelling.
The move to incorporate Bollywood song and dance into "Sambosa Chapati" is seen as a way of bringing Indian talent and style to a new international audience. The film has already gained popularity in Gulf countries, with audiences appreciating the blending of Arabic and Indian cultures. Director Saugat Bhattacharya has expressed his openness to discussing the unique project and how it came to fruition. This collaboration highlights the increasing interconnectedness of the entertainment industries in India and the Arab world, opening doors for further cross-cultural ventures.