Bollywood Did It First: 10 western Songs that are outright copied

Sometimes it’s not inspiration—it’s straight-up imitation. Over the decades, chart-topping Western hits have “borrowed” iconic melodies and  samples from Bollywood songs, often without giving credit where it’s due. Here’s a tight list of Bollywood tracks that made it to Hollywood—

1. “Don’t Phunk with My Heart” – Black Eyed Peas (2005)

Copied from: “Ae Naujawan Hai Sab Kuchh Yahan” by Asha Bhosle and Mohammad Rafi
 Film: Apradh (1972)
 Music Composer: Shankar–Jaikishan

The playful beat and looping hook come almost directly from this retro classic.

2.“On the Floor” by Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull (2011)

Copied from: Sochna Kya Jo Bhi Hoga Dekha Jayega” by Kumar Sanu and Asha Bhosle
Film: Ghayal (1990)
Music Composer: Bappi Lahiri

J.Lo’s global hit samples Lambada, which itself was heavily influenced by Lahiri’s
Bollywood composition.

3. “Toxic” – Britney Spears (2003)

Copied from: “Tere Mere Beech Mein” by Lata Mangeshkar & S.P. Balasubrahmanyam
Film: Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981)
Music Composer: Laxmikant–Pyarelal

The string section and melodic progression of “Toxic” bear a striking resemblance to the
opening bars of “Tere Mere Beech Mein”.

4. “Whoopty” – CJ (2020)

Copied from: “Sanam Re” by Arijit Singh
Film: Sanam Re (2015)
Music Composer: Mithoon

That moody violin loop looping in “Whoopty” is lifted straight from the original’s haunting
score.

5. “The Bounce” – Jay-Z (2002)

Copied from: “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai” by Alka Yagnik & Ila Arun
Film: Khalnayak (1993)
Music Composer: Laxmikant–Pyarelal

6.“Sexy Bitch” – David Guetta ft. Akon (2009)

Copied from: “Rangeela Re” by Asha Bhosle
Film: Rangeela (1995)
Music Composer: A. R. Rahman

7. “It’s My Birthday” – Will.i.am (2011)

Copied from: “Urvashi” by A. R. Rahman
Film: Humse Hai Muqabala (1994)
Music Composer: A. R. Rahman

Rahman’s original is sampled directly and credited—but only a few listeners know the
Bollywood roots.

8. “Jimmy” – M.I.A. (2007)

Copied from: “Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja” by Parvati Khan
Film: Disco Dancer (1982)
Music Composer: Bappi Lahiri

M.I.A. samples the disco anthem almost bar-for-bar, but gives it an electro-pop

9. “Choose Your Side” – La Coka Nostra ft. Bun B (2009)

Copied from: “Mujhe Maar Daalo” by Asha Bhosle
Film: Geeta Mera Naam (1974)
Music Composer: Laxmikant–Pyarelal

A haunting Bollywood melody backs dark, violent lyrics—creating a jarring but powerful
contrast. One of the grittiest uses of a sweet Asha Bhosle track in hip-hop.

10. “What’s Happenin’” – Method Man ft. Busta Rhymes (2004)

Copied from: “Dum Maro Dum” by Asha Bhosle
Film: Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971)
Music composer: R.D. Burman

DJ Scratch flips this trippy RD Burman classic to sound like a gritty East Coast banger.