Laila Main Laila – Pawni Pandey

“Laila Main Laila,” from the Bollywood film Raees (2017), is a reimagined version of the classic song “Laila O Laila” from the 1980 film Qurbani. This new rendition, composed by Ram Sampath and sung by Pawni Pandey, not only revives the nostalgia of the original track but also adds a contemporary twist, making it one of the most popular dance numbers in recent Bollywood history. The song features Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and actress Sunny Leone, whose sizzling dance performance adds a captivating visual appeal to the track.

This version of “Laila Main Laila” became an instant hit upon its release, thanks to its catchy beats, infectious energy, and the star power of its lead actors. It became a go-to track for parties, dance floors, and wedding celebrations across India and among the global Indian diaspora.

The Original Track: A Timeless Hit
The original “Laila O Laila,” sung by Kanchan and Amit Kumar for the film Qurbani, was composed by Kalyanji-Anandji and featured the legendary Zeenat Aman and Feroz Khan. It was a defining song of its era, known for its disco vibe and the sultry performance of Zeenat Aman. Over the years, it became one of the most iconic songs in Bollywood, capturing the glamorous, bold essence of the 1980s. Its popularity transcended generations, and it has often been referenced in popular culture as an evergreen song that symbolized beauty, charm, and allure.

When Raees was being made, the decision to recreate this classic track was a strategic move to tap into the nostalgia of older audiences while appealing to the younger generation with a modern twist.

The Reimagined Version: A Blend of Nostalgia and Modernity
Ram Sampath’s version of “Laila Main Laila” retains the core elements of the original track, preserving its energetic, disco-inspired beats, but it also infuses contemporary music production techniques, giving it a fresh appeal. The song’s pace is faster, and the beats are more robust, making it ideal for today’s party culture. The added layers of electronic music and a more pronounced bassline elevate it into the kind of track that gets everyone on their feet.

Pawni Pandey’s vocals bring a new dimension to the song. Her powerful, yet playful voice captures the boldness of the character “Laila” while also keeping the flirtatious, fun spirit of the original alive. Her voice complements the energetic tempo of the song, creating a version that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Sunny Leone’s Electrifying Performance
A significant reason for the song’s massive popularity is the presence of Sunny Leone, who brought her own brand of charisma and energy to the music video. Her performance in “Laila Main Laila” was praised for its electrifying dance moves and confident screen presence. Leone, known for her graceful yet sensuous dancing, took the stage by storm with her bold and captivating performance. Her energetic dance moves, combined with her glamorous look in the video, made the song an instant visual treat.

Leone’s performance was perfectly paired with Shah Rukh Khan’s suave and intense screen presence as the gangster Raees. While Khan doesn’t dance in the video, his brooding presence and interactions with Leone’s character add a layer of intrigue to the narrative. The chemistry between the two actors was a highlight, making the video even more engaging.

The choreography, which included a mix of traditional Bollywood dance and modern moves, was designed to emphasize Leone’s strengths as a dancer. It allowed her to showcase her fluid movements while keeping the energy high throughout the video. The colorful and vibrant sets, combined with the fast-paced choreography, made “Laila Main Laila” one of the most visually appealing tracks of 2017.

Cultural Impact and Reception
“Laila Main Laila” was released at a time when remixes and recreations of old Bollywood classics were becoming increasingly popular. However, this version stood out not only because of the nostalgia attached to it but also because of its excellent execution. The song quickly became a party anthem, played at nightclubs, weddings, and celebrations across India and abroad. Its catchy hook, “Laila O Laila,” became a phrase that resonated with fans of all ages.

While some purists of Bollywood music expressed concern over the trend of recreating old classics, the reception to “Laila Main Laila” was largely positive. Fans of the original appreciated the respectful treatment of the source material, while younger listeners, who may not have been familiar with the 1980s version, enjoyed the song for its fresh, energetic vibe.

The song’s inclusion in Raees, one of the most anticipated films of 2017, further contributed to its popularity. Raees, starring Shah Rukh Khan in a gritty, action-packed role, was already generating significant buzz, and “Laila Main Laila” added to the film’s promotional success. The music video was heavily featured in the film’s marketing campaign, ensuring that it reached a wide audience even before the movie’s release.

Legacy and Ongoing Popularity
“Laila Main Laila” continues to be a popular track in the years following its release. It has become a staple at Bollywood-themed parties and remains a favorite for dance performances at weddings and other celebrations. The song’s cross-generational appeal, combining nostalgia for the older version with the modern appeal of today’s music, ensures its enduring popularity.

Sunny Leone’s performance in the song remains one of her most iconic in Bollywood, and it helped solidify her status as one of the most popular item song performers in the industry. Shah Rukh Khan’s presence added star power to the track, ensuring that it would not only be a musical hit but also a visual spectacle.

Conclusion
“Laila Main Laila” from Raees is a perfect example of how Bollywood can successfully reimagine a classic song for a new generation. Ram Sampath’s energetic composition, Pawni Pandey’s powerful vocals, and Sunny Leone’s captivating dance performance came together to create a track that is both a tribute to the original and a standalone hit. Its combination of nostalgia, modern beats, and visual appeal has cemented its place as one of Bollywood’s most successful remixes, continuing to delight audiences long after its release.

Lyrics:

O Laila…

Laila Main Laila Aisi Hoon Laila
Har Koi Chahe Mujhse Milna Akela
Jisko Bhi Dekhu.. Aha.. Duniya Bhula Doon.. Aha…
Majnu Bana Du.. Aha.. Aisi Main Laila.. O Laila..

Ho Ye Kaise Hain Lamhe
Jo Itne Haseen Hain
Meri Aankhe Mujhse
Ye Kya Keh Rahi Hain
(Ye Kya Keh Rahi Hain)

Tum Aa Gaye Ho (Laila)
Yakeen Kaise Aaye (Laila)
Ye Dil Keh Raha Hai (Laila)
Tumhein Chhuke Dekhun (O Laila)

Laila Main Laila Aisi Hoon Laila
Har Koi Chahe Mujhse Milna Akela