The song "Ye Dil Na Hota Bechara" from the 1967 film Jewel Thief is a memorable tune that continues to resonate with listeners today. However, its journey to becoming a classic is marked by both musical inspiration and a subsequent controversy that strained a famous Bollywood friendship.
The song's creation is an interesting blend of influences. S.D. Burman, the music director, reportedly drew inspiration from the theme of the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai" after watching it. R.D. Burman, his son and assistant, supposedly kept drumming versions of the "Colonel Bogey March" theme from the movie on the car dashboard, which led to the birth of "Ye Dil Na Hota Bechara". Majrooh Sultanpuri penned the delightful lyrics, and Kishore Kumar's energetic vocals brought the song to life. The song features a vibrant arrangement with bongos, drums, saxophone, and guitar. The song was picturized on Dev Anand, who appears in front of the heroine's car in every stanza.
However, a controversy arose years later involving Kishore Kumar's son, Amit Kumar, and a tribute episode dedicated to Kishore Kumar on the reality show Indian Idol 12. Amit Kumar, who appeared as a guest judge on the show, stated that he was asked by the show's makers to praise all the contestants, regardless of their performance. He admitted that he did not enjoy the episode and participated for the money. This sparked a significant backlash, with many viewers criticizing the quality of the performances and accusing the judges of ruining Kishore Kumar's songs.
Fellow singer Kumar Sanu reacted to the controversy, stating that it might have been Amit Kumar's personal viewpoint, as nothing similar happened when he was on the show. Aditya Narayan, the host of Indian Idol, responded to Amit Kumar's comments by saying that it is never easy to honor a legend's legacy in a limited time.
Despite the later controversy, "Ye Dil Na Hota Bechara" remains a beloved song. Its upbeat melody, catchy rhythm, and Kishore Kumar's spirited rendition have made it a favorite for generations. The song's influence is also evident in its adaptation of the "Bridge on the River Kwai" theme, showcasing how global sounds can inspire Bollywood music.
