Jul 29, 2026 8:30pm IST
Mamta Kulkarni On Mahira Sharma’s ‘Ranaji 2.0’: ‘The Original Is Etched in People’s Minds’ (Exclusive)
The iconic “Mujhko Ranaji Maaf Karna” from Rakesh Roshan's “Karan Arjun” has been recreated as “Ranaji 2.0,” featuring Mahira Sharma and choreographed by Remo D’Souza. The original track, sung by Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun, was picturized on Mamta Kulkarni and remains one of the most memorable songs from the 1995 film, which also featured Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Kajol.
Reacting to Mahira Sharma’s version, Kulkarni says, “She has done a good job. The point is that you’re watching a song that was originally in ghagra choli and Indian dance moves, now made in a western format and in a western outfit. So, it stands out. But the earlier song is etched in people’s minds, so it immediately comes to your mind.”
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Reflecting on filming the original number, Kulkarni recalls the rigorous preparation that went into her performances during the 1990s. “Chinni Prakash masterji was the choreographer of ‘Mujhko Ranaji.’ The rehearsals were scheduled for two to three days. But I got the steps right on the first day itself. When I arrived on the set, the steps were changed. I asked him why he had changed the steps. I wondered what the point of the rehearsals was, but Chinni Prakash masterji was very good, and we wrapped up the song on time.”
Kulkarni also looks back at the larger musical legacy of “Karan Arjun,” crediting director Rakesh Roshan for pulling off the ambitious production. “The ‘Jai Maa Kaali’ song was difficult to shoot as there were many dancers in it. I give credit to Rakeshji for completing such a complicated film with so many artists. ‘Karan Arjun’ became a superhit. Whether it was ‘Jai Maa Kaali,’ ‘Bhangda Paa Le’ or ‘Ek Munda Meri Umr Da,’ people loved all the songs.”
Talking about her own Bollywood journey, the actress, who has been away from the screen for a while now, says, “I’ve been receiving acting offers. If I get a script I'm truly excited about, I’m ready to take it on. Of course, I won’t be able to do a song like ‘Mujhko Ranaji Maaf Karna’ today with these lyrics. I’m spiritually conscious and awakened now. So, some songs don't work for me. I have to be more conscious of the lyrics than the dancing. Back in the day, I never thought about lyrics, as I was more focused on perfecting dancing steps. I was young and immature at that time.”
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