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Chaiyya – The story behind one of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable songs has resurfaced, with filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan sharing how Malaika Arora became part of Chaiyya Chaiyya in Mani Ratnam’s 1998 film Dil Se. Speaking on a television chat show, Farah offered rare insight into the uncertainty and last-minute decisions that shaped the making of the now-legendary track.

A casting search that ran out of time

Farah Khan revealed that the team struggled for weeks to finalise a female performer for the song. Despite reaching out to several well-known names, no one had been confirmed even days before filming was scheduled to begin. According to Farah, the situation became increasingly tense as production deadlines closed in, leaving the filmmakers with little room to delay the shoot.

With just about a week remaining, the makers still had no dancer locked in. The song, which was already designed as a visually demanding sequence, required someone who could match its energy and striking visual style. Yet, despite extensive efforts, no suitable choice had been finalised.

Trusting instinct over experience

Faced with limited options, Farah decided to call Malaika Arora, whom she had known socially before the project. She admitted that at the time, she was unsure about Malaika’s dancing abilities. What convinced her, however, was Malaika’s screen presence and appearance, which she felt perfectly matched the mood and aesthetic of the song.

Farah explained that the decision was driven more by instinct than certainty. She believed Malaika’s look and confidence could carry the performance, even without knowing how technically trained she was. That leap of faith would later prove decisive.

Mani Ratnam’s last-minute call

As the clock continued to tick, director Mani Ratnam eventually handed over the final choice to Farah. With production unable to wait any longer, he reportedly told her to go ahead and cast whoever she felt was right. This creative freedom allowed Farah to move forward without hesitation and bring Malaika on board almost at the eleventh hour.

The decision marked a turning point, not only for the song but also for Malaika’s career, which would later become closely associated with iconic dance performances.

A performance that defined an era

Once filming began, any doubts quickly faded. Malaika delivered a performance that blended grace, intensity, and rhythm, elevating the song beyond expectations. Shot atop a moving train alongside Shah Rukh Khan, the sequence stood out for its bold choreography and unconventional setting.

The visual impact of the song, combined with its energetic movements, helped it become one of the most talked-about sequences in Indian cinema. Farah later acknowledged that Malaika exceeded all expectations and brought a powerful presence to the screen.

Music, poetry, and cultural roots

Chaiyya Chaiyya featured music composed by A.R. Rahman, with lyrics written by Gulzar. The vocals were performed by Sukhwinder Singh and Sapna Awasthi. The song draws inspiration from the Sufi poem Tere Ishq Nachaya by Bulleh Shah, blending spiritual poetry with contemporary sound.

This fusion of folk influences, modern music, and visually daring choreography contributed to the song’s lasting appeal across generations.

Lasting impact beyond the film

More than two decades later, Chaiyya Chaiyya remains a cultural landmark. It continues to inspire dancers, choreographers, and filmmakers, often cited as a benchmark for innovative song picturisation. The track also played a key role in cementing Farah Khan’s reputation as a choreographer who could turn creative risks into unforgettable moments.

Dil Se also starred Manisha Koirala and marked the debut of Preity Zinta. The film completed Mani Ratnam’s thematic trilogy following Roja and Bombay, securing its place in Indian cinema history.