New Delhi: Akshay Kumar’s Bhojpuri avatar in Welcome to the Jungle’s newly released song ‘Ghis Ghis Ghis’ is Bollywood’s latest tryst with Bhojpuri music.
The song, released on Monday, features Akshara Singh and Akshay Kumar, dancing to the lyrics such as ‘Mathva pe hathva se ghis ke subuniya’.
While Bollywood has flirted with Bhojpuri music before with ‘Aayi Nai’ in Stree 2 or ‘Jiya Tu Bihar Ke Lala’ in Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012), big stars have ventured further and appeared in a bunch of Bhojpuri films.
Among the biggest names is Amitabh Bachchan, who appeared in the Bhojpuri film Ganga (2006) and its sequel Gangotri in 2007. Ganga revolves around a young woman in love with Shankar, played by Ravi Kishan. However, Thakur Vijay Singh, portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan, uses his influence in the village to arrange her marriage with his son Ranjit, setting the stage for a conflict rooted in power, class, and rural politics. Alongside Bachchan, actors like Hema Malini and Nagma also played pivotal roles in the film.
Jaya Bachchan, too, explored Bhojpuri cinema with Ganga Devi (2012), where she starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Gulshan Grover, and Dinesh Lal Yadav. The film revolved around Indian politics and its impact on family relationships, with Amitabh and Jaya playing the parents of Nirahua’s character. The film was produced by Amitabh Bachchan’s makeup artist Deepak Sawant.
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Dharmendra also appeared in Desh Pardesh (2013) directed by Vimal Kumar alongside Pawan Singh. The film revolved around an NRI son who abandons his ageing parents. Dharmendra and Rati Agnihotri played the elderly parents, while their loyal house help stands by them. Kader Khan also appeared in the film as a qawwali singer performing at a dargah.
Mithun Chakraborty too stepped into Bhojpuri cinema with Bhole Shankar (2008) directed by Pankaj Shukla. The story explored the lives of two brothers, played by Mithun and Manoj Tiwari, who are pushed toward the underworld because of unemployment and financial hardship. The film blended action with social commentary on poverty and desperation.
Similarly, Jackie Shroff starred in Balidaan (2009) alongside Ravi Kishan. The film centred on revenge, patriotism, and the fight against injustice, with Jackie and Ravi’s characters taking on corruption and social oppression. Packed with action and family drama, the film reflected the mass appeal that Bhojpuri cinema cultivated during that period.
Among contemporary actors, even Ajay Devgn appeared in Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke (2006). Set in a small village controlled by a powerful villain with money and muscle power, the story follows Devgn and Manoj Tiwari as they join hands to protect villagers from the villain.
Welcome to the Jungle also stars Suniel Shetty, Akshay’s long time collaborator, and has an extended starcast of Disha Patani, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Johny Lever, and Rajpal Yadav. The film is set to release on 26 June.
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)