In 1993, Subhash Ghai's action crime film Khal Nayak hit the screens, becoming a major commercial success. However, the road to success was far from smooth. The film found itself embroiled in two significant controversies: the arrest of its lead actor, Sanjay Dutt, and the uproar surrounding the song "Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai". These events, while initially appearing to be setbacks, ultimately supercharged the film's popularity and contributed to its box office triumph.
Sanjay Dutt, who played the titular role of the criminal Ballu, was arrested months before the film's release under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) and the Arms Act in connection with the 1993 Bombay bombings. This arrest created a media frenzy, drawing parallels between Dutt's reel and real life. The actor was in Mauritius shooting for Khal Nayak when he was summoned by the police to Mumbai and subsequently arrested upon arrival. While Dutt was released on bail a month later, his bail was cancelled in 1994, and he was arrested again. He was released from jail in October 1995.
Director Subhash Ghai recalled the challenges, stating that while the arrest didn't majorly impact the film's making as most of the shooting was already complete, it generated a lot of media attention. According to Sanjay Dutt's confession, he acquired a Type-56 rifle from the producers of his film Sanam for family protection.
Adding to the film's woes was the controversy surrounding the song "Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai," picturized on Madhuri Dixit. The song, sung by Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun, faced severe backlash for its suggestive lyrics, with many labeling it as vulgar and offensive towards women. Protests erupted, with around 32 political units demanding a ban on the song and some even accusing Ghai of promoting terrorism.
Despite the controversies, Subhash Ghai stood his ground, urging protestors to watch the film before judging it. He emphasized that the film aimed to showcase the transformation of a villain into a hero. Ghai recalled that he was shocked when people labeled the song vulgar. He saw it as a folk song presented artistically. Ila Arun, who sang the folk version of the song, was taken aback when she first heard the lyrics "Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai". However, she saw the second line, "Choli me dil hai mera," as a saving grace.
The court eventually ruled that there was nothing objectionable in the song. Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray also supported the song, stating that there was nothing wrong with it and that the protests should stop. Despite this, Doordarshan and All India Radio banned the song on their own, preventing it from being played on TV and radio.
In retrospect, the controversies surrounding Khal Nayak inadvertently fueled public interest in the film. Sanjay Dutt's arrest created a sense of intrigue, while the "Choli Ke Peeche" controversy sparked curiosity and debate. The film, which starred Sanjay Dutt as Ballu, Madhuri Dixit as Ganga, and Jackie Shroff as Ram, went on to become a box office hit. At the 39th Filmfare Awards in 1994, Khal Nayak received 11 nominations, winning Best Female Playback Singer and Best Choreography. Saroj Khan won a Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song.
The song "Choli Ke Peeche" remains a cultural touchstone, with its popularity leading to a surge in choli sales across India. "Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai" not only made headlines at the time but continues to resonate even decades later. The song was remade in 2024 for the film Crew starring Kareena Kapoor, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon.
