Tanishk Bagchi Defends ‘Saiyaara’ Originality Amid Comparison Controversy
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A New Milestone for Tanishk Bagchi
Tanishk Bagchi, a name synonymous with Bollywood’s chart-topping remixes, has recently made waves with the soulful title track of the 2025 romantic drama Saiyaara. Directed by Mohit Suri and starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film has garnered widespread acclaim, with its music stealing the spotlight. The title track, composed by Bagchi alongside Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami, with lyrics by Irshad Kamil, has climbed to the fourth spot on Spotify’s Top Global chart, a remarkable feat for a Hindi song. However, its success has not been without controversy, as some listeners have drawn comparisons to One Direction’s Night Changes and Jubin Nautiyal’s Humnava Mere. Bagchi has firmly addressed these claims, defending the track’s originality and emotional depth.
Addressing the Plagiarism Allegations
The Saiyaara title track’s meteoric rise has been shadowed by accusations of plagiarism, with some pointing out similarities in its melody to existing songs. In a candid interview, Bagchi dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the track was crafted with genuine emotion and not borrowed from other works. He explained that while chord progressions, such as those in the A minor scale, may overlap across songs due to their universal nature, the soul of Saiyaara is distinct. “We didn’t lift anything from anywhere,” Bagchi asserted, highlighting that the song’s success stems from its heartfelt composition rather than imitation. This response underscores his commitment to creative integrity, even as critics attempt to undermine his work.
The Emotional Core of ‘Saiyaara’
Bagchi’s collaboration with director Mohit Suri was pivotal in shaping Saiyaara. Suri envisioned a track that would evoke nostalgia and the bittersweet essence of first love, a brief Bagchi delivered with precision. The composer revealed that the song was born during a personally challenging period, including a breakup and struggles with mental health. This raw emotional input, combined with contributions from co-composers and vocalists Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami, gave the track its haunting quality. Bagchi noted that the song’s ability to resonate with audiences—evoking tears and memories—stems from its authenticity, a quality that cannot be engineered through technique alone.
Breaking the Remix Stereotype
Known for remixes like Dilbar and Aankh Maarey, Bagchi has long been typecast as Bollywood’s “remix king.” The success of Saiyaara marks a turning point, showcasing his prowess as an original composer. “People are finally realizing I’m a master at originals too,” he stated, expressing relief at shedding the remake label. The track’s global success, coupled with its emotional impact, has helped Bagchi overcome a two-year period of mental strain caused by online trolling. He hopes Saiyaara heralds a return to composer-led storytelling in Bollywood, reminiscent of the era when legends like RD Burman collaborated closely with filmmakers.
A Triumph of Heart and Art
Saiyaara’s title track is more than a chart-topping hit; it’s a testament to Bagchi’s resilience and creative evolution. By addressing plagiarism allegations head-on and emphasizing the song’s emotional authenticity, he has solidified his place as a versatile composer. As Saiyaara continues to dominate charts and captivate audiences, Bagchi’s journey reminds us that true art transcends criticism, connecting with listeners on a profound level.
