Veteran playback singer Udit Narayan is experiencing a delightful wave of renewed appreciation as Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela, a song he lent his voice to for the 1997 thriller Gupt, has found its way back into the spotlight. Over two decades after its initial release, the track has become a viral sensation once again, largely due to its prominent use in the climax of Netflix’s series, The Ba***ds of Bollywood.
“I always felt this song possessed a timeless quality. To see it resonate so strongly after so many years is incredibly special,” Narayan shared in a recent conversation. The song’s revival has been remarkable; within days of the show’s release on September 18, the original music video garnered over 5 million new views on YouTube, with streams also seeing a significant increase across platforms like Spotify and Instagram, where numerous short videos and edits now feature the track.
For Udit Narayan, who performed the Viju Shah composition originally picturized on Bobby Deol, this resurgence serves as a powerful testament to music’s lasting impact. “The melody and the lyrics are the primary reasons why this song continues to connect with people. It’s truly amazing to witness the new generation embracing it – it feels as if they’re discovering this song for the very first time,” he expressed.
He admits that seeing young people create dance videos and reels set to the song brings him immense satisfaction, validating his initial instincts about its potential. “I’m overjoyed to see so many reels being made to this song. People are dancing, lip-syncing, and enjoying it in their own unique ways – it clearly demonstrates that great music never fades,” Narayan added.
The 69-year-old singer also noted that this phenomenon is not unique to ‘Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela’. He pointed out that other popular tracks like Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam and Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast are also experiencing renewed popularity. “I believe it all boils down to the melody. That’s what truly endures, transcending time and connecting with listeners across different generations,” he stated.
Describing Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela as a “good song for aspiring lovers,” Udit emphasized the relatability of its lyrics. He also reminisced about his personal experience recording the song: “When I was recording it, there was such palpable energy in the studio, and I could sense that this song was going to be something special. I wasn’t sure how massive it would become, but I knew it held a unique spark.”