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Dubai: “I don’t want to hear it,” says Lata Mangeshkar, Indian playback singer, about the latest rendition of her classic song, “Chalte Chalte” from 1972’s Bollywood hit Pakeezah. The song has been reprised into a contemporary version for the upcoming movie Mitron, and is sung by Pakistani singer Atif Aslam, but Mangeshkar is not pleased.

The original was composed by Ghulam Mohammad, an Indian composer who was nominated for Best Music Director for his work at the Filmfare Awards. And the lyrics were penned by Kaifi Azmi, an Indian Urdu poet who was the recipient of a Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award.

The new version is credited to Tanishk Bagchi, who is also an award-winning composer in Bollywood.

Speaking to multiple Indian news agencies, Mangeshkar was quoted as saying: “This trend of remixing old songs saddens me. Where is the creativity in simply lifting acknowledged, beloved classics and shuffling the notes around? I’ve even heard that the lyrics are changed in the remixes. By whose consent? The original poets and composers wrote what they had to. Nobody has the right to tamper with the creativity of these great composers and lyricists.”

After the news broke, social media users started discussing the same using #ChalteChalte, with tweeps now divided over whether the song should have been recreated.

Many tweeps believe that the original should not have been edited and Aslam has received some backlash over the new version, too.

Tweep @tanicraziness wrote: “It’s not an exact remake, but they used the main part of the song ‘Chalte Chalte’. The song itself was good, but they used that part, which ruins it for me. ‘Chalte Chalte’ is one of my favourite songs of Lata ji.”

@disha_sharma6 tweeted: “Why have you spoilt Lata Mangeshakar ji’s classic song? #ChalteChalte #AtifAslam? Music composers couldn’t you find something new?

Tweep @bollybaatein posted: “Not that I don’t love #AtifAslam, I’m just tired of there being constant remakes of oldies! #ChalteChalte is just one of the many. #LataMangeshkar is a queen of melody and I think her legecy will forever remain regardless.”

@gbanswal added: “Old version is best... This remix trend is just destroying the class, history, efforts and beauty of the song. Old is gold and new does not get sold.”

There are also many social media users who are in support of Aslam’s version of the song.

Tweep @sadiasays_ wrote: “Atif’s version of Chalte Chalte... Addicted!”

@awaixii tweeted: “Lata Mangeshkar should know that the present generation doesn’t want to hear her version of #ChalteChalte! Times have changed. Let the people listen to what they want! #AtifAslam”

Tweep @SabeenBrzee posted: “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, there are millions who love and enjoy #AtifAslam’s version of #ChalteChalte.”

Another song that Aslam has sung recently is a rendition of a classic. ‘Dekhte Dekhte’ from Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor’s upcoming movie, ‘Batti Gul Metre Chalu’, is a rendition of a song by the same name sung by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This, also, did not land well with tweeps.

Tweep @MDanish76689147 posted: “It’s very painful that Bollywood is destroying legendary classic songs. For example Atif Aslam sang a classic song of Ustad Nusrat Fateh sahab. Some people are comparing this with the orignal song. I am 100 per cent sure that they have never even heard Ustad Nusrat Fateh sahab’s version. It’s my humble request to Bollywood that please stop destroying legendary songs. Who is giving you the authority to make fun of classic songs? Please stop it! #AtifAslam”

@ali26123 tweeted: “It shows lack of creativity in Bollywood. Such a pathetic attempt of remaking old beautiful songs. Not even a single remake is worth listening to.”