21 August 2023, Mumbai: The iconic Bollywood song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ from the film ‘Dil Se’ has not only captured the hearts of millions but has also left an indelible mark on cinematic history. While many are aware of its usage in the Hollywood film ‘Inside Man,’ the lesser-known connection between the song, Backstreet Boys, and Mani Ratnam’s film ‘Alaipayuthey’ adds an intriguing layer to its legacy. Revealed in the book ‘Conversations With Mani Ratnam’ by Baradwaj Rangan, this tale sheds light on the unexpected twists and turns that shaped the iconic track.
The Backstreet Boys Connection to Alaipayuthey
Following the monumental success of ‘Dil Se,’ acclaimed director Mani Ratnam embarked on his next cinematic venture, ‘Alaipayuthey.’ In this film, there was a scene where the protagonist listens to a song on his headphones. To capture the essence of this moment, Mani Ratnam chose a song from the popular American boy band, Backstreet Boys, and shot the scene accordingly. The chosen Backstreet Boys song aligned seamlessly with the scene’s mood and was even used during the film’s editing process.
The Quest for Permission and a Hefty Price Tag
Here’s where the tale takes an unexpected turn. The music for ‘Alaipayuthey’ was associated with HMV, the same parent company that held the rights for the Backstreet Boys’ music. Seeking permission to use the Backstreet Boys’ song in ‘Alaipayuthey,’ Mani Ratnam’s team approached HMV. However, the parent company presented them with an astounding request: a staggering sum of Rs. 1 crore for the usage rights. This exorbitant fee left Mani Ratnam and his team in a challenging position.
The Birth of ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ and the Price of creativity
Confronted with the astronomical fee demanded by HMV, Mani Ratnam made a swift and determined decision. He chose to compose an original piece to replace the Backstreet Boys song, determined to bring his creative vision to life despite the obstacle. The result was the birth of ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya,’ a song that would go on to become one of the most iconic and beloved tracks in Indian cinema.
The Unexpected Turnaround
Years later, the story took a surprising twist. The same parent company that had quoted an exorbitant fee for the Backstreet Boys song approached Mani Ratnam’s team for permission to use ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ for free. In a twist of fate, the tables had turned. HMV was ready to grant the permission without any cost. However, Mani Ratnam, who hadn’t forgotten the earlier experience, chose a different path.
A Lesson in Fairness and Persistence
Driven by a sense of fairness and a resolve to uphold the value of creative work, Mani Ratnam decided to take a stand. He quoted the same figure that had been asked of him – Rs. 1 crore – to the music company seeking permission. Remarkably, the company agreed to pay the amount, completing the intriguing cycle of events that began with the Backstreet Boys’ song in ‘Alaipayuthey.’
Today, ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ stands as a testament to creative determination and the unpredictable nature of artistic journeys. Its enduring popularity and cultural impact reflect the unwavering spirit of those who dare to challenge obstacles and transform them into opportunities, just as Mani Ratnam did with this iconic track.