Kumar Sanu became the narrator of Ajay Devgn-Kajol's love story; 28 years ago, he gave Bollywood its love anthem

Some Bollywood songs are tied so closely to a particular era that hearing them years later instantly brings back memories. Kumar Sanu’s ‘Jab Kisiki Taraf Dil’ from Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha is one such song. Released in 1998, the romantic track featuring Ajay Devgn and Kajol has survived changing musical tastes and continues to find listeners nearly three decades later. The song is once again in the spotlight as it completes 28 years, with its melody, lyrics and the chemistry between its lead actors continuing to make it a favourite among fans of 1990s Bollywood music.

Why Kumar Sanu’s Jab Kisiki Taraf Dil still feels special

The song was composed by Jatin-Lalit, with lyrics by Vinod Mahendra and vocals by Kumar Sanu. It appeared in Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, which starred Ajay Devgn and Kajol in the lead roles. The track captures the uncertainty and excitement of falling in love, with the lyrics revolving around the moment when feelings become impossible to hide.

Music platforms continue to list the song as part of the original 1998 soundtrack. Apple Music records the track as part of Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), released in July 1998. Sony Music India also describes it as a song that “beautifully captures the essence of falling in love”, with Sanu's voice and Jatin-Lalit's composition at its centre.

Kumar Sanu revealed why he chose the song

The singer himself has previously reflected on why the song became so important to him. Speaking to Hindustan Times when the film completed 25 years, Sanu said, “I feel the song was ahead of its time in terms of the melody and that’s why it’s evergreen.” He added, “I consider myself lucky and proud to have recorded the track.”

Sanu also recalled that hearing the melody immediately impressed him. He said, “When I heard the track, I was amazed. It had such a beautiful melody.” Interestingly, knowing that the song would be picturised on Ajay Devgn made him even more interested in recording it. Sanu revealed that Jab Kisiki Taraf Dil was the only song he recorded for the film.

Jatin-Lalit were not ready to settle for the first version

The song's making also reveals how carefully 1990s Bollywood music was crafted. Sanu recalled that although Jatin-Lalit were happy with his initial recording, Lalit wanted some changes. The singer had to return to the studio and record the song again. Sanu remembered the contrasting working styles of the composers, saying, “Jatin thode soft hote hain aur Lalit kadak (strict).” He added that he was glad the extra effort ultimately paid off because audiences embraced the song.

Ajay Devgn and Kajol’s chemistry added to its appeal

The song's popularity cannot be separated from the pairing of Ajay Devgn and Kajol. Their romance on screen became particularly memorable because their real-life relationship also developed around the same period. The couple first met while working on Hulchul in 1995 and gradually became friends before their relationship turned romantic. They eventually married in February 1999. That real-life connection has helped give their romantic songs an added layer of nostalgia for audiences.

28 years later, the melody still finds new listeners

The enduring appeal of Jab Kisiki Taraf Dil lies in its simplicity. There is no complicated musical arrangement needed to make the emotion work just Sanu's instantly recognisable voice, Jatin-Lalit's melody, evocative lyrics and the chemistry of Ajay and Kajol. As Hindustan Times quoted Sanu saying, the song was “ahead of its time” perhaps explaining why a track released 28 years ago can still sound at home on today's romantic playlists. For fans who grew up with 1990s Bollywood music, Jab Kisiki Taraf Dil is more than an old hit. It remains a reminder of an era when a memorable melody could turn a film song into a lasting love anthem.