Pardesiya, the lead single from Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor’s upcoming film Param Sundari, has landed in controversy after fans pointed out strong similarities with the iconic songs Khena Hi Kya and Yeh Haseen Vaadiyan from Mani Ratnam’s 1995 classic Bombay, composed by A.R. Rahman.
The track also marks Sonu Nigam’s return to mainstream playback singing, a move warmly welcomed by listeners. But soon after release, social media was flooded with video mashups comparing the melodies side-by-side, showing just how closely Pardesiya resembles Rahman’s originals.
Some users accused the makers of blending elements from these 90s gems and presenting them as a brand-new composition. This isn’t a new trend—Bollywood has long relied on remixing or reimagining old songs to cash in on nostalgia, often at the cost of originality.
Industry observers note that in today’s high-risk, competitive market, remakes are a safe commercial bet. Familiar tunes instantly connect with audiences, even if the work is only a slightly altered version of the original. But critics argue that this habit sidelines creativity, especially when music plays a pivotal role in storytelling.
Bombay’s soundtrack became a national sensation despite being a Tamil film, proving that authentic, risk-taking compositions can transcend language and regional barriers. The success of such classics came from their emotional depth and artistic commitment, qualities that many feel are missing in today’s remakes.
With Param Sundari under scrutiny, the conversation around Bollywood’s dependence on nostalgia is heating up. Whether filmmakers will embrace originality or continue to recycle the past remains to be seen—but the audience’s call for fresh, sincere art is growing louder.
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