The remake of the iconic "Saat Samundar Paar" from the 1992 film Vishwatma, originally sung by Sadhana Sargam and penned by Anand Bakshi, has sparked a reaction from the lyricist's son, Rakesh Anand Bakshi. The new version features in the Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday starrer Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, which released on December 25, 2025.
Rakesh Anand Bakshi took to Instagram to express his reservations about the song's credits. His primary concern was the attribution of songwriting credit to another artist, Karan Nawani, for merely adding a few lines to his father’s original lyrics. Nawani is credited as a co-lyricist on the new version and also sings and composed the remake. Rakesh Bakshi suggested that the music label, Saregama, should have followed the format used for "original/additional music" and credited the additional lyrics similarly. He felt that crediting someone as a co-lyricist for adding only a couple of lines to the original work was a "mismatch" and disrupted the continuity of the song's original thought.
The original "Saat Samundar Paar," composed by Viju Shah, is considered a classic, particularly among those who grew up in the 90s. The song featured the late actress Divya Bharti and became an instant hit due to its catchy tune, romantic lyrics, and exotic international locations. The new version, however, takes a different approach, with a slower, more intimate feel compared to the upbeat original. Choreographed by Remo D'Souza, the song focuses on the chemistry between Kartik Aaryan, who plays Ray, and Ananya Panday, who plays Rumi. The film explores the idea that distance is irrelevant when soulmates connect.
While some fans have expressed excitement for the remixed version, others have criticized it for allegedly ruining the essence of the original. Rakesh Anand Bakshi acknowledged that the singer recomposed the song slower and sang it well. However, he stated, "I do not appreciate the lyrics he recreated, they are not in keeping with the thought behind the earlier verse".
Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri is directed by Sameer Vidwans and produced by Dharma Productions. The film portrays Ray, a Los Angeles native, and Ruhi, a small-town girl from Agra, whose contrasting views on life complicate their romance after an international holiday. The film aims to explore modern relationships, clashing ideas of love and marriage, and the challenges of navigating these complexities.
