'I was in big trouble': Udit Narayan recalls how two lines of 'Bole Chudiyaan' song almost cost him a flight

Veteran playback singer Udit Narayan recalled a dramatic incident that unfolded during the recording of the famous song “Bole Chudiyaan” from Karan Johar's 2001 hit film “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” which almost made him miss his flight for a live show, he told IANS.

Singer recounts rushed recording session

Speaking on the sets of Indian Idol, Udit said the day began normally but quickly turned stressful as he realised he was running out of time. “I told Jatin ji, take everyone’s voice, I’ll give a rough track because I’m stressed. If I miss my flight, I’ll be in big trouble,” he said, but composer Jatin Lalit insisted he complete the final lines immediately. According to Udit, the disagreement escalated briefly before he rushed to the airport at the last moment.

Return to studio before completing travel

Udit said he received another call soon after reaching the airport. “‘You only have a line or two left,’ the recording team said, calling me right back to the studio,” he recalled. With his luggage still on the aircraft, he returned to finish the remaining lines and made it back to the airport in time for the flight. Reflecting on the incident, he quoted Vivekananda, saying, “If you want to make history, you have to fight alone.”

Career achievements and honours

Udit has recorded songs in several languages, including Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Bengali, Sindhi, Odia, Bhojpuri, Nepali, Malayalam, Assamese, Bagheli and Maithili. He has received four National Film Awards, including three for Best Male Playback Singer for the songs “Mitwa” from Lagaan, “Jaane Kyon Log” from Dil Chahta Hai, “Chote Chote Sapne Zindagi Khoobsoorat Hai,” and “Yeh Taara Woh Taara” from Swades. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2009 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contribution to arts and culture. Indian Idol airs on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

(With inputs from IANS )