The makers of Raid 2 unveiled their latest romantic track, Tumhe Dillagi, a reimagined version of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s timeless classic, and the internet is split. Sung by Jubin Nautiyal with music by Rochak Kohli and lyrics by Manoj Muntashir, the song features Ajay Devgn and Vaani Kapoor in a tender Holi-night sequence—petals, longing glances, and a quiet car ride with their on-screen daughter. But while the visuals aim for nostalgia, the recreation has stirred a storm online, with die-hard Nusrat fans declaring it a butchered masterpiece.
The original Tumhe Dillagi is etched in memory as one of Nusrat’s soul-stirring qawwalis, and Jubin’s softer, cinematic take was always going to be a tough sell. YouTube comments erupted with outrage: “No one can replace Ustad Nusrat’s magic,” wrote one user, while another lamented, “Why ruin classics?” Yet, not all reactions were harsh—some praised Jubin’s “emotional restraint” and Rochak Kohli’s attempt to balance old-world charm with a filmi touch.
Jubin, aware of the weight of the legacy, admitted the challenge: “This song stayed with me since childhood—recreating it was both privilege and pressure.” Composer Rochak Kohli echoed the sentiment, calling it a “responsibility” to retain the original’s essence while fitting it into Raid 2’s 80s-90s setting. But for purists, no justification beats the raw power of Nusrat’s voice.
The song arrives ahead of Raid 2’s May 1 release, the sequel to Ajay’s 2018 hit crime thriller. Alongside Riteish Deshmukh and Saurabh Shukla’s return as ‘Tauji’, the film promises high-stakes drama—though right now, the drama off-screen is just as intense. Will the backlash affect the film’s buzz? Or will the controversy only fuel curiosity? One thing’s clear: when you tinker with a legend, expect fireworks.
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