Imtiaz Ali has recalled that the megahit Punjabi track, Mauja Hi Mauja, from his incredibly famous 2007 romcom, Jab We Met, had initially raised success doubts because of people’s limited understanding of the language.
Speaking to Anubav Singh Bassi for a Netflix India interview, the director disclosed the skepticism both makers and audiences had toward the song.
He said, “We were composing Mauja Hi Mauja. At that time, nobody was able to understand anything, but because Irshad Kamil is from Punjab, he said that it would be fun.”
“It felt nice, the sound was great. When someone says it like this, you get the meaning. And then he wrote the song and a lot of people said that they are not able to understand a single word of it,” Imtiaz continued.
Going on to add everyone’s reaction, he explained that despite many listeners not being able to grasp the words uttered by singer Mika Singh, especially because they were very fast-paced, they grew to love its catchiness.
“ ‘What is he saying? Why is he saying this? It’s not a Punjabi film!’ But we liked it and the song was loved by people,” the filmmaker expressed fondly.
Because he had remained confident in the number’s potential, it wasn’t removed from the film and eventually went on to become one of India’s most-played memorable track.
