I’ll Ruin Your Career!” – Amitabh Bachchan’s 20-Year-Old Warning to Shankar Mahadevan Behind ‘Kajra Re’

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Mumbai: National award-winning singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan, known for delivering countless Bollywood hits, recently revealed a humorous yet unforgettable encounter with megastar Amitabh Bachchan during the making of the iconic song ‘Kajra Re’.

Speaking at an event with Humans of Bombay’s All India Mahfil, Mahadevan recalled how Amitabh Bachchan had both hugged him in excitement and jokingly threatened him regarding the song.

A Warm Hug for ‘Rock and Roll’
Mahadevan reminisced, “I remember Bachchan sir was shooting for ‘Rock and Roll’ and when we visited the set, he lifted me up because he was so happy with the song. He was extremely kind, hugged me, and said, ‘What a song you have made!’”

The Legendary ‘Kajra Re’ Incident
The funny anecdote involves the blockbuster song from ‘Bunty Aur Babli’ (2005), featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Aishwarya Rai. Mahadevan explained, “For ‘Kajra Re’, I had recorded a rough version for Amitabh sir’s portions, so he could dub his part later. When I met him at an event, I told him, ‘Sir, please come and dub your part so we can mix the song.’ He asked, ‘Which song?’ I said, ‘Kajra Re.’ Then he jokingly warned me, ‘No, it will be done like this only. If you touch it, I’ll ruin your career!’”

The song, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and penned by Gulzar, became a sensational hit for its mix of qawwali and folk Kajri styles, stunning choreography by Vaibhavi Merchant, and its memorable performances.

Shankar Mahadevan: A Musical Legend
Shankar Mahadevan has been a dominant voice in Indian music for decades, both as a playback singer and as part of the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio. In 2023, he was honored with an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University, further cementing his legacy as one of India’s most respected musicians.

This delightful throwback highlights not only Mahadevan’s musical journey but also the playful camaraderie shared with Bollywood’s legendary actors.

If you want, I can also rewrite it in a punchy, front-page style with a catchy headline like “Amitabh Bachchan Threatened Shankar Mahadevan Over ‘Kajra Re’ – 20-Year-Old Bollywood Story Revealed!” which will grab reader attention immediately.

Do you want me to do that version too?