Abhijeet Bhattacharya, one of Bollywood’s most iconic playback singers, recently shed light on the reasons behind his professional fallout with superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Once the voice behind numerous chart-topping tracks for SRK in the 1990s and early 2000s, Abhijeet revealed in a candid conversation with ANI why he chose to distance himself from the superstar’s projects and whether any animosity lingers between them.
The Rift: A Question of Self-Respect
Reflecting on the origins of their rift, Abhijeet shared that it stemmed from what he perceived as a lack of acknowledgment for his contributions. “When self-respect is hurt, you feel like saying, ‘Enough is enough.’ I wasn’t singing for him; I was singing for my work. But when I saw that they were acknowledging everyone—like a tea vendor who serves tea on set—but not acknowledging the singer, I felt, ‘Why should I be your voice?’”
The veteran singer, known for iconic tracks like Woh Ladki Jo Sabse Alag Hai (Baadshah) and Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha (Main Hoon Na), explained that his decision was not rooted in personal animosity but a matter of professional pride.
Do They Hold Grudges?
Addressing whether Shah Rukh Khan ever attempted to mend fences, Abhijeet clarified that there is no lingering bad blood between them. However, he admitted that their paths have diverged significantly.
“It’s not that my relationship with SRK is broken, but Shah Rukh is now such a huge star that he’s no longer just a human being. Even he probably doesn’t realize the level he has reached. So why should I expect anything from him?”
Abhijeet emphasized that both he and Shah Rukh Khan have strong personalities, and their respective egos might have contributed to the distance. “There was no need for anyone to apologize. Both of us have egos. Our birthdays are just a day apart; we are both Scorpios. But I’m the bigger Scorpio. I don’t need him or his support.”
Legacy of Collaboration
Despite their differences, Abhijeet remains an integral part of Shah Rukh Khan’s legacy. The singer’s voice defined many of the actor’s memorable on-screen moments, from the romantic allure of Chalte Chalte’s title track to the playful charm of Woh Ladki Jo Sabse Alag Hai.
The Dua Lipa Controversy
Recently, Abhijeet found himself in the spotlight again after international pop star Dua Lipa performed a mashup of her hit song Levitating with Woh Ladki Jo during her concert in Mumbai. While the performance garnered widespread attention, Abhijeet expressed his disappointment at not being credited. His son, Jay Bhattacharya, also took to Instagram to criticize Dua for failing to acknowledge his father and composer Anu Malik’s contributions to the song.
Conclusion
Abhijeet Bhattacharya and Shah Rukh Khan may no longer collaborate, but their shared history continues to resonate with Bollywood fans. While Abhijeet’s decision to prioritize his self-respect marked the end of an era, his timeless voice ensures that his legacy as SRK’s playback singer remains unshaken.