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.

Fondly called Panchamda, Rahul Dev Burman (R.D. Burman) remains an iconic figure in the annals of Indian music history. His compositions have not only stood the test of time but have also continued to enchant and inspire new generations of music lovers. Known for his innovative use of instruments and his ability to blend Indian and Western musical traditions, Burman’s work is a testament to his prodigious talent and creative genius. However, like many great artists, Burman’s career is not without its controversies, particularly regarding the originality of some of his most famous compositions.

The Genius of R.D. Burman

R.D. Burman was born into a musical family, being the son of the legendary music director S.D. Burman. His entry into the world of music seemed almost preordained, and he quickly carved out a niche for himself with his distinctive style. Burman’s ability to fuse rock, disco, jazz, and classical music with traditional Indian sounds was revolutionary. His work in movies like “Sholay,” “Amar Prem,” and “Yaadon Ki Baaraat” showcased his versatility and his knack for creating timeless melodies.

His innovative approach to music can be seen in songs like “Dum Maro Dum,” which incorporated psychedelic rock influences, and “Mehbooba Mehbooba,” with its Middle Eastern undertones. Burman’s music was not just about entertainment; it often pushed the boundaries of what was expected in Bollywood at the time, bringing a fresh perspective to film scores and soundtracks.

The Shadow of Plagiarism

Despite his towering achievements, R.D. Burman has often been accused of drawing heavily from Western music, leading to allegations of plagiarism. This aspect of his career, while controversial, highlights a broader trend within Bollywood, where the lines between inspiration and imitation often blur.

1. “Mehbooba Mehbooba” and Demis Roussos’s “Say You Love Me”: The iconic song from “Sholay” (1975) bears a striking resemblance to Demis Roussos’s “Say You Love Me” (1974). The melody and structure are notably similar, showcasing Burman’s knack for adapting and Indianizing Western tunes.
2. “Tumse Milke” and Leo Sayer’s “When I Need You”: The romantic ballad from “Parinda” (1989) mirrors the melody of Leo Sayer’s 1976 hit.
3. “Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko” and Bojoura’s “If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium”: This beloved song from “Yaadon Ki Baaraat” (1973) closely follows the tune of Bojoura’s 1969 track.
4. “Mil Gaya Humko Saathi” and ABBA’s “Mamma Mia”: The 1977 song “Mil Gaya Humko Saathi” draws from ABBA’s famous 1975 hit.
5. “Jeevan Ke Din” and Francis Lai’s “Love Story Theme”: The theme from “Love Story” (1970) can be heard in “Jeevan Ke Din” from “Bade Dilwala” (1983), again reflecting Burman’s eclectic influences.
6. “Aao Twist Karein” and Chubby Checker’s “Let’s Twist Again”: The 1965 song from “Bhoot Bungla” is a clear adaptation of Chubby Checker’s 1961 hit, highlighting Burman’s ability to infuse Western rock and roll into Bollywood music.
7. “Tera Mujhse Hai” and Elvis Presley’s “The Yellow Rose of Texas”: The melody of this 1973 song from “Aa Gale Lag Jaa” is reminiscent of Elvis’s 1964 rendition.

Bollywood’s Culture of Borrowing

R.D. Burman was not alone in this practice; Bollywood has a long history of borrowing from Western music. This trend can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Western music often provided a rich repository of melodies and rhythms that were novel to Indian audiences. Secondly, the film industry’s fast-paced nature sometimes necessitated quick solutions, making adaptations a practical choice. Lastly, there was an inherent cultural exchange, with Bollywood constantly evolving through the integration of diverse musical influences.

While such practices raise ethical questions about originality and artistic integrity, they also underscore a broader phenomenon of cultural assimilation and transformation. The adaptations often resulted in a unique sound that, while rooted in Western traditions, bore the distinct imprint of Indian musical aesthetics.

Did you know, that Pritam has copied 45+ songs too? Click here to know more.

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