Hum Tum Turns 20: A Nostalgic Musical Trip Down Memory Lane

Hum Tum, a beloved Bollywood movie, has turned 20 this year. Released in 2004, this romantic comedy, starring Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji, captured hearts with its charming story and memorable music. The film's soundtrack remains timeless, with fans still enjoying its songs two decades later.

The music of Hum Tum played a crucial role in its success and remains timeless even today. Composed primarily by the talented duo Jatin-Lalit, with the exception of one track by British-Indian producer Rishi Rich, the soundtrack was released on April 9, 2004, by YRF Music. The songs were penned by lyricist Prasoon Joshi and performed by renowned singers such as Shaan, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Sadhana Sargam, Babul Supriyo, Udit Narayan, Juggy D, and Veronica Mehta.

A Nostalgic Musical Trip Down Memory Lane

The title track, Hum Tum, sung by Alka Yagnik and Babul Supriyo, stood out for its romantic and soothing melody. It won Alka Yagnik the Best Female Playback Singer award at the 50th Filmfare Awards. 

To date, it's one of the most romantic songs in Bollywood history. It has all the elements to make it sensuous, the rain, the dreamy sequences, and the time-lapse showing a woman's vision of her romance growing over time. Now, hear it from a fan, Oshi Saxena, a journalist from Delhi, says, "I have all the songs from the movie in my playlist, but I especially love the 'Hum Tum' song. The whole experience of watching that song, where Rani imagines a beautiful life for herself, was very appealing to me as a kid."

She added, "I first saw it when I was young and didn't understand the nuances of love. Back then, it was just a cute movie with funky and trippy songs that I danced to during my school days and listened to on my Walkman. I have fond memories of watching it as a kid. But when I watched it with friends in college, and even now, I see the deeper meanings of love and the realness in the story. The movie never gets old for me. I can still rewatch it and feel the same emotions I felt in college. It still holds a special place in my heart."

Ragini Daliya, journalist and editor, recalls the "sweet rom-com," particularly for the song "Ladki Kyon," which frequently aired on 9X. She mentions, "While the song is peppy and silly, now that I hear it, the song has such distinctive characterization. She further adds, "However, my favourite is the title song. It's sweet, lyrical, and very typical of its contemporaries like 'Kal Ho Na Ho' and 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' from that era."

Not only millennials, but Gen Z also have a soft spot for this song. In a generation where a rain dance is a must-do for many couples, this song serves as an inspiration for many. Sakshi Mishra, a Gen Z, Mumbai-based PR professional born in 2000, shares, "This song came out when I was 4, but I still remember every single lyric. It's my comfort song and my go-to track."

The next song, Ladki Kyon, written by Prasoon Joshi, also won the Best Lyricist award at the Screen Awards. Featuring the voices of Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji, Shaan, and Alka Yagnik, it became an instant hit with its catchy and playful lyrics, quickly becoming a fan favourite.

Rudrani, another millennial journalist from Bihar, shares her lasting connection with the song, "The song that comes to mind is 'Ladki Kyon Ladko Si Nahi Hoti.' It highlights various differences between men and women. I loved how Rani's character stood up, defended her gender, and said, 'Isliye ladkiyan ladko si nahi hoti.' "

She pointed out, "The song touches on everyday issues like girlfriends calling boyfriends and obsessing over dates, or how men always approach women and flirt with them. These issues are still relevant today. However, I didn't like how the song ended—with Saif kissing Rani without her consent. It clearly showed that Rani's point was valid—'Ladkon ka kya hai kisi bhi mod pe woh mud jaye." Mishra agrees, sharing, "Whenever I listen to the song, even now, I feel the lyrics are spot on. They perfectly capture how boys really are, and I love the song for that."

Moreover, Chak De, sung by Sonu Nigam and Sadhana Sargam, is an energetic and uplifting song that adds vibrancy to the film. The upbeat Gore Gore, sung by Alka Yagnik, and the nostalgic Yaara Yaara, featuring Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan, further enriched the soundtrack. The album also included an instrumental version of Hum Tum and a deleted song, which was later reused in Kunal Kohli's next film, Fanaa.

The music of Hum Tum even topped charts across various platforms in India, and with around 1.6 million units sold, it was the eighth highest-selling album of the year, according to Box Office India. Enjoy the songs from this album and take a delightful trip down memory lane, reliving the timeless moments they capture.