Netflix’s adaptation of Julia Quinn’s globally popular Regency romance series Bridgerton is all set to premiere its second season later this month. While people have been eagerly waiting to find out what happens next with their favourite members of the Bridgerton clan, especially with the explosive revelation at the end of season 1, Indian fans of the series have another reason to look forward to the show.
Turns out, one of the episodes in the series will feature a cover of the title track from Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001).
The movie, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Jaya Bachchan, has gained cult status over the years with its iconic characters and soundtrack that refuses to leave your mind for ages. The streaming giant has confirmed that an orchestral cover of the song, arranged by composer Kris Bowers, will be a part of the official soundtrack of the season.
The series’ music supervisor Justin Kamps spoke to Netflix about using the Bollywood track for the show and said, “We have a couple of new covers from our amazing composer, Kris Bowers. He did the cover of ‘Material Girl’, and—a first for Bridgerton—a cover of a Bollywood song called ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, which I’m really excited about. It’s a very beautiful cover.”
The series will also feature covers of pop songs like Rihanna’s ‘Diamonds’, Harry Styles’ ‘Sign of the Times’, and Miley Cyrus’ ‘Wrecking Ball’. Previously, the show has featured orchestral covers of songs like Ariana Grande’s ‘Thank U,Next’, and Billie Eilish’s ‘Bad Guy’.
The show, set in the Regency era, follows the dramatic lives of the Bridgerton family as they navigate new relationships and the unexpectedly treacherous London society. The second season is set to premiere on March 25th.
This is not the first time western media has shown an appreciation for Indian movie soundtracks. Over the years, there have been many instances where popular Bollywood songs have been featured in Hollywood movies. Here are a few examples of the time Hindi movie songs could be heard in Hollywood movies…
Bollywood Songs Featured in Hollywood Movies
‘Yun Hi Chala Chal Rahi’ in Deadpool 2 (2018)
The hit song from Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Swades (2004) was heard playing on the radio in a scene where Deadpool and his buddy Dopinder are driving around with Cable in the backseat.
‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’ in Deadpool (2016)
Director Tim Miller had the iconic song from Raj Kapoor’s Shree 420 (1955) stuck in his head ever since he heard it in a pub a long time ago. So he decided to include it in the opening, and ending scenes, of the first installment of the series.
‘Chaiya Chaiya’ in Inside Man (2006)
Director Spike Lee liked the A.R. Rahman song so much that he decided to make it the background to the opening credits of his thriller Inside Man, starring Denzel Washington and Jodie Foster.
‘Jimmy Jimmy’ in You Don’t Mess With the Zohan (2008)
A re-arranged version of Bappi Lahiri’s ‘Jimmy Jimmy’, from Mithun Chakraborty’s Disco Dancer (1982), featured in this Adam Sandler comedy.
‘Jaan Pehchaan’ in Ghost World (2001)
A Mohammed Rafi song, from the movie Gumnaam (1965), was a major part of the opening credits of Scarlett Johansson and Steve Buscemi’s Ghost World (2001).
‘Bombay Theme’ in Lord of the War (2005)
The haunting theme composed by A.R. Rahman, from the Tamil-language movie Bombay (1995,) can be heard in the background of a pivotal scene in the Nicholas Cage and Jared Leto-starrer.
‘Chamma Chamma’ in Moulin Rouge (2001)
In the movie’s climactic performance, Nicole Kidman’s Satine dances on a remixed version of ‘Chamma Chamma’ from the movie China Gate (1998).
‘Lehron Ki Tarah Yaadein’ in Shaun of the Dead (2004)
The Bollywood-Hollywood crossover happened in Edgar Wright’s spoof of the zombie movie genre when the titular Shaun walks into a store owned by an Indian and the Kishore Kumar track was playing on the radio.
‘Urvasi Urvasi’ in Lion (2016)
The A.R. Rahman song was a part of the background score in this Oscar-nominated drama starring Dev Patel and Rooney Mara.
‘Mujhe Rang De’ in Accidental Husband (2008)
It’s safe to say that A.R.Rahman is a favourite when it comes to featuring Indian songs in Hollywood OSTs. Case in point, this Uma Thurman-starrer that featured, not one but, three Rahman songs in the soundtrack, including ‘Mujhe Rang De’ from Thakshak (1999), ‘Swasamae’ from Thenali (2000), and ‘Yaro Yarodi’ from Alaipayuthey (2000).
‘Mundiyan Tu Bach Ke Rahi’ in The Dictator (2011)
The opening of the controversial comedy featured a hip-hop version of the hit song by Panjabi MC.
