Amidst the storm of criticism and legal challenges surrounding the remixed version of the iconic song "Saat Samundar Paar" from the film Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, columnist Shobhaa De has voiced her support for the track. The remix, featuring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, has faced considerable backlash online, with many criticizing its execution and perceived failure to capture the essence of the original.
De took to Instagram on Wednesday to share her views, stating, "Don't know what the fuss is about! Not sure about legalities and / or copyright issues. I enjoyed the new version of an old favourite ("Saat Samundar Paar") immensely". She further elaborated on her appreciation, citing her fondness for Kartik Aaryan as an actor and her personal connection to the song, revealing that her family/friends chat group is named "Saat Samundar" after a memorable dance performance at a family wedding. De added that the film "Tu Meri Main Tera..." looks "frothy, frivolous and fun," drawing a comparison to "Emily in Rome" while expressing hope that it will be more entertaining.
De's defense arrives in the wake of mounting controversy. The original "Saat Samundar Paar," composed by Viju Shah with lyrics by Anand Bakshi, was a defining Bollywood hit from the 1992 film Vishwatma, starring Sunny Deol and Divya Bharti. The remixed version has been criticized for its slower, more romantic tone, a departure from the original's energetic vibe. Online reactions have ranged from disappointment to outrage, with many expressing a sense of cultural loss and accusing the makers of "ruining" a classic.
Adding to the controversy, Anand Bakshi's son, Rakesh Anand Bakshi, has publicly objected to the lyric credits for the remix. He argues that Karan Nawani, who reportedly added only a few lines to the original lyrics, should not be credited as a co-lyricist alongside his father. Rakesh Bakshi took to Instagram to express his displeasure, stating that producers and publishers should not claim credit for writers who contribute minimally to original lyrics. He suggested that streaming platforms should clearly differentiate between original creators and those who make minor additions.
Furthermore, Trimurti Films Pvt Ltd, the producer of Vishwatma, has filed a copyright infringement petition against the makers of Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, including Dharma Productions and Saregama India Ltd. The production house alleges that the remix was used without proper authorization and is seeking ₹10 crore in damages and a permanent injunction against the song's use. The Bombay High Court has declined to grant interim relief to Trimurti Films, allowing the song's use in the film to proceed for now, but the dispute is scheduled for further court consideration in January 2026.
Despite the multiple layers of controversy, Shobhaa De's support for the remix highlights the subjective nature of artistic interpretation and the diverse opinions that can arise from revisiting classic works. While many have criticized the remix for failing to live up to the original, De's appreciation suggests that the new version resonates with some audiences. The ongoing debate underscores the challenges and complexities of remaking iconic songs and the importance of respecting the original creators while also allowing for new artistic expressions.
