Last Updated: November 26, 2024, 14:10 IST
Javed Akhtar‘s Intriguing Revelation About ‘Dard-e-Disco’
The song in question, Dard-e-Disco, has become a cultural phenomenon.
In 2007, the talented filmmaker Farah Khan directed the reincarnation thriller Om Shanti Om, featuring the charismatic Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, which quickly turned into a massive blockbuster. This film not only marked the Bollywood debut of Deepika Padukone but also showcased Shah Rukh Khan’s well-defined physique in the iconic song Dard-e-Disco, captivating audiences across the nation. The striking lyrics of this chart-topping hit were crafted by the renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar. During a fascinating interview last year, Akhtar made a captivating revelation about the creation of the song, which has recently resurfaced in viral clips on social media. On the popular podcast Cyrus Says, he recounted a humorous yet enlightening incident regarding his collaboration with Farah Khan, where the character in the film he was writing for is depicted as wheelchair-bound. Akhtar disclosed that Farah had given him a peculiar directive to concoct “meaningless” lyrics for the track, incorporating whimsical phrases such as “disco, dance, dream-world.”
Known for his evocative and profound writing, Akhtar admitted he faced a unique challenge with the task at hand. He elaborated, “If you are asked to write ‘meaningless,’ it’s a challenge. If you ask somebody to stand up here and speak for two minutes without making any sense, it’s tough.” He further explained that while gibberish may emerge unconsciously at times, the attempt to deliberately create nonsensical lyrics ironically leads to a structure that starts to make sense.
He continued, revealing, “The director of the film, Farah told me that ‘Javed uncle I want a song in which any line does not have meaning because the whole situation is absurd.’ I realized for the first time that to write gibberish is very difficult. I’m happy that it was fairly meaningless.” Cyrus noted that despite the lyrics being largely devoid of meaning, the song transcended expectations, becoming an anthem that many fans could sing along to without a second thought.
In a revealing interview, Sukhwinder Singh disclosed that he recorded the song barefoot. He whimsically explained that he was in a celebratory mood to dance during the recording session and wanted to ensure that the sound of his footsteps would not disrupt the energetic flow of the track.
How does Javed Akhtar feel about the lasting impact of ’Dard-e-Disco’ on audiences and its place in Bollywood music history?
**Interview with Javed Akhtar on ‘Dard-e-Disco’**
**Host:** Welcome, Javed Akhtar! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your work on the iconic song ‘Dard-e-Disco’ has made waves in the Bollywood music scene. Recently, you shared an intriguing revelation about how this song came to be. Can you tell us more about that?
**Javed Akhtar:** Thank you for having me! Yes, ‘Dard-e-Disco’ certainly took on a life of its own after the release of *Om Shanti Om*. Farah Khan, the director, had a very unique request when we were working on this song. She wanted the lyrics to be appealing yet somewhat abstract—essentially, she asked me to write what could be considered “meaningless” lyrics.
**Host:** That’s fascinating! So you were aiming for lyrics that were catchy but not necessarily profound?
**Javed Akhtar:** Exactly! The idea was to create an experience that worked with the energy of the song and the visual performances by Shah Rukh Khan and the rest of the cast. Sometimes, a certain playful or whimsical approach can resonate better in a dance number. It was about feeling rather than specific meanings.
**Host:** ‘Dard-e-Disco’ has become such a cultural phenomenon. How does it feel to know that your words contributed to that legacy?
**Javed Akhtar:** It feels wonderful! Songs like these often become part of people’s lives, forming memories and associations. To know that ‘Dard-e-Disco’ is still celebrated years later is incredibly rewarding as a lyricist. It proves that music transcends the boundaries of meaning and taps into human emotions.
**Host:** With its infectious rhythm and Shah Rukh Khan’s charisma, the song stands out. In your opinion, what elements make a Bollywood song truly unforgettable?
**Javed Akhtar:** A blend of catchy tunes, engaging lyrics, and strong performances is crucial. But it’s also about the connection—how it makes the audience feel. When every component comes together seamlessly, magic happens.
**Host:** Thank you, Javed, for sharing these insights! It’s clear that ‘Dard-e-Disco’ will continue to enthrall audiences for years to come.
**Javed Akhtar:** My pleasure! Thank you for having me. Let’s keep celebrating the power of music!