O Saki Saki – Neha Kakkar, Tulsi Kumar & B Praak

“O Saki Saki,” from the 2019 Bollywood film Batla House, is a song that ignited the Indian music scene with its infectious beats, vibrant choreography, and electrifying performance by Nora Fatehi. This version of the song is a modern remix of the original “Saaki Saaki” from the film Musafir (2004), which was composed by Vishal-Shekhar. The updated track for Batla House was rearranged by Tanishk Bagchi and performed by Neha Kakkar, Tulsi Kumar, and B Praak, turning it into an instant party anthem.

The Origin and Background of “O Saki Saki”
The original “Saaki Saaki,” sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and Sukhwinder Singh, was a massive hit in 2004, known for its sensuous beats and groovy rhythms. The song became a cultural phenomenon back then, thanks to its catchy melody and the incredible performance by Koena Mitra, who captivated audiences with her bold and sultry dance moves. In 2019, the creators of Batla House—a film inspired by real-life events about a controversial police encounter—decided to bring the song back in a fresh, modern form.

Tanishk Bagchi, known for his ability to remix old classics with a contemporary twist, was tasked with reworking “Saaki Saaki.” Bagchi’s version, while retaining the essence of the original, gives the song a pulsating modern vibe that perfectly fits the dynamic energy of today’s Bollywood soundscape. His arrangement is heavier on electronic beats, with a mix of traditional Indian instrumentation, making it a hybrid of old-school Bollywood and contemporary dance music.

Vocals that Bring Energy and Emotion
The 2019 version of “O Saki Saki” brings together some of the most talented voices in the Indian music industry. Neha Kakkar, known for her peppy and energetic vocals, lends her voice to the track, infusing it with the high-energy tone that has become synonymous with party anthems. Kakkar’s distinctive voice, combined with Tulsi Kumar’s melodious contribution, adds a layer of sultriness to the song.

B Praak, an artist celebrated for his soulful and powerful singing, adds depth and emotion to the track. His rich voice complements the playful yet intense atmosphere of the song, balancing out the high-energy beats with a sense of gravitas. Together, the trio of Neha Kakkar, Tulsi Kumar, and B Praak creates a harmonious blend of voices that give “O Saki Saki” its unique identity.

Nora Fatehi’s Electrifying Performance
While the song itself is a powerhouse of musical energy, the visual representation in the official music video is equally important to its success. Nora Fatehi, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated dancers, delivers a jaw-dropping performance that has become synonymous with the track. Known for her impeccable dance skills and charismatic screen presence, Fatehi takes the stage by storm in the “O Saki Saki” video. Her belly-dancing moves, combined with the energetic choreography, add a level of visual appeal that makes the song even more engaging.

Fatehi’s performance in “O Saki Saki” is a highlight of the film Batla House. Her dance not only showcases her technical prowess but also exudes confidence, sensuality, and control. The choreography, which blends Bollywood dance with elements of Middle Eastern belly dancing, creates a visually stunning spectacle that complements the intensity of the song. Her magnetic presence has earned her a reputation as one of Bollywood’s leading dancers, and “O Saki Saki” solidified her position in the industry.

The Role of Choreography and Cinematography
The choreography of “O Saki Saki” was designed to be both challenging and captivating. The mix of traditional Bollywood steps with belly dancing movements created a distinct style that captivated audiences. Nora Fatehi worked closely with the choreographers to ensure that the dance moves would not only match the song’s tempo but also create a lasting visual impact.

The cinematography in the music video adds to the allure of the song, with dynamic camera angles and close-ups that enhance the sensual nature of the dance. The vibrant lighting and colors used in the video, along with Fatehi’s shimmering costumes, create an aura of celebration and festivity. The visuals reflect the high-energy beats of the song and are designed to keep the audience glued to their screens, making it a visual as well as auditory treat.

Cultural Impact and Reception
Upon its release, “O Saki Saki” became an instant sensation. The song quickly topped charts in India, gaining millions of views on YouTube within just a few days. It also became a viral trend on social media platforms, with fans and influencers alike recreating the dance moves in their videos. The track became a staple at parties, weddings, and clubs, making it one of the most popular remixes of 2019.

However, the song also faced some criticism. Koena Mitra, the actress from the original “Saaki Saaki,” expressed her discontent with the remix, stating that she felt the original song should not have been altered. Despite this, the remix’s success was undeniable, and it continued to dominate the music scene long after its release.

The film Batla House, starring John Abraham, was well-received, and “O Saki Saki” played a crucial role in generating buzz for the movie. While the film dealt with a serious subject matter—highlighting the moral dilemmas surrounding a controversial police encounter—the song provided a contrast with its upbeat, celebratory tone. This juxtaposition worked well to engage a broader audience.

Conclusion
“O Saki Saki” is a modern classic in Bollywood’s extensive library of remix songs. With its foot-tapping beats, powerful vocals, and mesmerizing visuals, it captures the essence of a perfect dance number. Nora Fatehi’s performance, combined with the creative reworking by Tanishk Bagchi, and the vocal prowess of Neha Kakkar, Tulsi Kumar, and B Praak, makes this song a standout track.

While the song honors the legacy of the original, it also sets itself apart by bringing a fresh, contemporary sound to modern audiences. “O Saki Saki” remains a crowd favorite, an example of how Bollywood can reimagine its classics while creating something entirely new.

मै तेरी आखो का साहिल
मै तेरी ही दिल के काबील
तू मुसाफिर मै तेरी मंझील मंझील मंझील
इश्क का दरिया है बेहता डूब जा
तुझसे है केहता
आ मेरी बाहो मै आंके मिल
हा वो शराबी क्या शराबी
दिल मै जिसके गम न हो
लुट गया वो शराबी पास जिसके
हम ना हो
साकी साकी साकी
ओ साकी साकी रे साकी साकी
आ पास आ रेहना जाये
कोई ख्वाहिश बाकी
ओ साकी साकी रे साकी साकी
आ पास आ रेहना जाये
कोई ख्वाहिश बाकी
आ
आ
आ
आ
तेरी जैसे माशूका मुझे यार चाहिये
ना पैसा चाहिये ना इकरार चाहिये
आ
तेरी जैसे माशूका मुझे यार चाहिये
ना पैसा चाहिये ना इकरार चाहिये
ये हुस्न का है खुमार मेरा
तुझपे है छाया जो
कुरबान हुआ मुझ पे जो
खुश नसीब बडा है वो
हा वो शराबी क्या शराबी
दिल मै जिसके गम न हो
लुट गया वो शराबी पास जिसके
हम ना हो
साकी साकी साकी
ओ साकी साकी रे साकी साकी
आ पास आ रेहना जाये
कोई ख्वाहिश बाकी
ओ साकी साकी रे साकी साकी
आ पास आ रेहना जाये
कोई ख्वाहिश बाकी
आ
आ
ओ साकी साकी रे साकी साकी
आ पास आ रेहना जाये
कोई ख्वाहिश बाकी
ओ साकी साकी रे साकी साकी
आ पास आ रेहना जाये
कोई ख्वाहिश बाकी
आ
आ
आ
आ