Shekhar Kapur on the popularity of 'Lakdi Ki Kathi' across many generations: We had no idea
Mumbai, June 26
Acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has talked about the song "Lakdi Ki Kathi" from his 1983 film "Masoom" and shared that when the track was being made, he had no idea that he was creating something that was going to be popular for so many generations.
Taking to his X, formerly called Twitter, account, Shekhar re-shared a post about a baby, who is in deep sleep, waking up and dancing as the song "Lakdi Ki Kathi" played on the television.
The filmmaker commented: "Awww .. that is so cute .. when we did the song we had no idea we were creating something that was going g to be popular for so many generations !!"
The original song is picturised on child actors Urmila Matondkar, Aradhana and Jugal Hansraj. It was sung by Gauri Bapat, Gurpreet Kaur and Vanita Mishra.
Directed by Shekhar Kapur, the song is from the film "Masoom" starring Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Saeed Jaffrey, Tanuja and Supriya Pathak. The film features Urmila Matondkar, Aradhana and Jugal Hansraj in their debuts as child actors.
"Masoom" is an adaptation of the 1980 Erich Segal novel Man, Woman and Child, which was also adapted into a Malayalam movie Olangal and an American movie Man, Woman and Child.
The film follows a man named Devendra Kumar, whose family life is disrupted when he discovers he has an illegitimate child from a past affair. He brings the young boy, Rahul, home, but his wife, Indu, fails to accept the child.
Shekhar is currently busy with 'Masoom The Next Generation', a sequel to his 1983 film. The sequel will feature Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Manoj Bajpayee, Nithya Menen, and Kaveri Kapur as the core cast.
He recently spoke about working with Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman for a song for the upcoming film.
He wrote on X: "Always exciting to watch him in a state of ecstasy as he is composing. A R Rahman and Sohaila Kapur ( lyrics) at a recording for songs for Masoom-the Next Generation.. Rahman is also Co Producing the film ..(sic)."
— IANS
Reader Comments
This song is pure nostalgia. I think the simplicity of "Lakdi Ki Kathi" is what makes it so special - no fancy production, just pure childhood innocence. Too many Bollywood songs these days are forgettable. Kapoor sahab, this is why your work endures!
Honestly, it's not just the song - "Masoom" itself was a masterpiece. The story about family and acceptance still hits hard. But yes, that song has a life of its own. Hope the sequel does justice to the original.
Every Indian household has a video of a toddler dancing to this song 😂. Shekhar Kapur maybe didn't plan it, but he accidentally created a national treasure. That said, I hope the sequel doesn't just cash in on nostalgia and actually tells a compelling story.
I'm from the US and discovered this song through my Indian friends. It's incredible how a simple lullaby-style song can connect cultures. The melody is so universal - no wonder it's been loved for decades!
Shekhar Kapur talking about this song makes me remember my childhood in Mumbai. We used to sing "Lakdi ki kathi, kathi pe ghoda" in school assemblies. His humility about its enduring popularity is refreshing. Also, AR Rahman collaborating? That's going to be epic! 🎵
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