Mumbai: Malaika Arora has expressed her interest in reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan for future projects, particularly after their iconic 1998 hit “Chaiyya Chaiyya.”
The song, which became a phenomenal success, marked the beginning of their electrifying on-screen chemistry and is still regarded as one of Bollywood’s most memorable dance sequences. In a recent interaction with IANS, Malaika conveyed her enthusiasm about the possibility of collaborating with Shah Rukh once again. She remarked, “If it happens, it will happen. I’m always open to it.”
“Chaiyya Chaiyya,” an Indian pop-folk track, was featured in the film Dil Se. The song, penned by Bulleh Shah, with music composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman and lyrics written by the acclaimed Gulzar, remains a timeless gem in Indian cinema. Sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi, the song was picturised on Shah Rukh and Malaika, where they danced atop a moving train, creating an unforgettable visual.
Malaika also reflected on how Bollywood music has evolved over the years. Speaking about her enduring chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan in hit tracks such as “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” “Kaal Kaal,” and “Gare Damaal,” she acknowledged the changing dynamics of the music industry and how this shift has influenced the kind of attention these songs receive today.
“I believe that while many songs become immensely popular and sometimes overshadow the films they’re part of, a lot of music today is created with social media in mind. The focus is on making songs that go viral, especially through platforms like Instagram reels. It’s a trend. However, I do think there are still songs that resonate with audiences and become popular, regardless of their connection to the film. It’s a mixed bag, but often the song itself ends up being more impactful than the movie,” the actress commented.
Meanwhile, Malaika Arora is set to judge the reality show Hip Hop Season 2 alongside Remo D’Souza.