Rakesh Roshan‘s ‘Karan Arjun’ gave audiences the unforgettable track “Mujhko Ranaji Maaf Karna,” which has now been revived as “Ranaji 2.0,” starring Mahira Sharma and choreographed by Remo D’Souza. The original song, voiced by Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun and filmed on Mamta Kulkarni, continues to be one of the most beloved numbers from the 1995 film, which also starred Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Kajol.
Mamta Kulkarni says the original song is etched in people’s minds
Sharing her thoughts on Mahira Sharma’s rendition, Kulkarni told Variety India, “She has done a good job. The point is that you’re watching a song that was originally in ghagra choli and Indian dance moves, now made in a western format and in a western outfit. So, it stands out. But the earlier song is etched in people’s minds, so it immediately comes to your mind.”
Mamta Kulkarni recalls the rigorous rehearsals for the original number
Talking about how much preparation went into the original number, Kulkarni remembers the demanding process behind her performances in the 1990s. “Chinni Prakash masterji was the choreographer of ‘Mujhko Ranaji.’ The rehearsals were scheduled for two to three days. But I got the steps right on the first day itself. When I arrived on the set, the steps were changed. I asked him why he had changed the steps. I wondered what the point of the rehearsals was, but Chinni Prakash masterji was very good, and we wrapped up the song on time.“
Mamta Kulkarni credits Rakesh Roshan for ‘Karan Arjun’s musical legacy
Looking back at the musical legacy ‘Karan Arjun’ left behind, Kulkarni credits director Rakesh for successfully bringing such an ambitious project to life. “The ‘Jai Maa Kaali’ song was difficult to shoot as there were many dancers in it. I give credit to Rakeshji for completing such a complicated film with so many artists. ‘Karan Arjun’ became a superhit. Whether it was ‘Jai Maa Kaali,’ ‘Bhangda Paa Le’ or ‘Ek Munda Meri Umr Da,’ people loved all the songs.“
Mamta Kulkarni opens up on her Bollywood comeback plans
Speaking about her journey in Bollywood, the actress, who hasn’t been seen on screen in quite some time, shares, “I’ve been receiving acting offers. If I get a script I’m truly excited about, I’m ready to take it on. Of course, I won’t be able to do a song like ‘Mujhko Ranaji Maaf Karna’ today with these lyrics. I’m spiritually conscious and awakened now. So, some songs don’t work for me. I have to be more conscious of the lyrics than the dancing. Back in the day, I never thought about lyrics, as I was more focused on perfecting dancing steps. I was young and immature at that time.”