Actor Vicky Kaushal has set the internet on fire with his slick dance moves in ‘Bad Newz’ song ‘Tauba Tauba’. Thanks to its infectious beats, Vicky’s effortless groove and a flood of Instagram Reels, this earworm is here to stay in our heads for days – until the next viral trend sweeps us away. Even Bollywood biggies like Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan and Vicky’s wife Katrina Kaif are among those who are charmed by the ‘How’s the Josh’-type charisma and optimism in the song.
But amidst the hubbub, let’s not forget Bollywood’s long-standing fascination with ‘Tauba Tauba’. And no, we’re not referring Vicky Kaushal’s latest hit. We’re talking about the top hits that have rocked the charts over the last decade, all with the catchphrase “Tauba Tauba.”
Sample these:
‘Tauba Tauba’ by Kailash Kher
Sung in Kailash Kher’s signature multi-layered voice, “Tauba Tauba” uses the Urdu phrase to celebrate the natural charm of a lover. Featured in Kher’s album ‘Kailasa’, this peppy track was released in 2006 and continues to make listeners go crazy whenever it plays.
“Tauba Tauba” from the 2005 film Kaal
When the makers of Bad Newz first announced the song ‘Tauba Tauba’, my initial thought was if it was going to be a remake of the memorable Salim-Sulaiman track. Can you blame me? Bollywood has been constantly revamping hit songs from the 90s and early 2000s.
The song, featuring John Abraham, Lara Dutta, Esha Deol and Vivek Oberoi, boasts of vocals by Sonu Nigam, Kunal Ganjawala, Sunidhi Chauhan and Richa Sharma. Written by Shabbir Al Jeanne and composed by Salim-Sulaiman, it promises to bring back memories with its nostalgic vibes.
‘Tauba Tauba’ from the 2012 film Zindagi Tere Naam
Not as popular as the ones mentioned above, this one has Dia Mirza in an unconventional avatar. Composed by music composer duo, Sajid-Wajid, the song ‘Tauba Tauba’ is sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and Wajid Khan. She appeared in the 2012 romantic drama Zindagi Tere Naam, which starred actor Mithun Chakraborty in the lead role.
Tauba Tauba with Pawan Kalyan
Not limited to only Hindi cinema, the catchphrase “Tauba Tauba” also dominates Telugu cinema. In the 2016 film ‘Sardaar Gabbar Singh’, Pawan Kalyan and Raai Laxmi rocked Devi Sri Prasad’s composition. Sung by MM Manasi and Nakaash Aziz, the song evokes memories of Amitabh Bachchan’s hit ‘Apni To Jaise Taise’ from the 1981 film ‘Laawaris’.
Hindi cinema’s love affair with ‘Tauba Tauba’ proves the enduring power of this catchy phrase in capturing the essence of emotions from love to nostalgia. As new renditions continue to emerge, it’s clear that “Tauba Tauba” remains a timeless motif in the Bollywood musical landscape.
