Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Gulzar Saved Iconic 'Jungle Book' Song from Censorship, Says Vishal Bhardwaj
Imagine a song for a cartoon show about the Jungle Book.
The person who wrote the song, Gulzar, used a word that some grown-ups thought was a little strange.
They wanted to change it because they thought kids shouldn't hear it.
But Gulzar said, 'No, that word is perfect for the song because it sounds innocent, like a child would say it!'
He believed changing it would ruin the song's special feeling.
The music maker, Vishal Bhardwaj, shared this story.
He also mentioned that it's hard to find good shows made just for kids in India, as they often have to watch shows from other countries.
Vishal Bhardwaj shared that lyricist Gulzar saved the 'Jungle Book' title track from censorship.
The word 'chaddi' was flagged as 'odd' by NFDC bureaucrats.
Gulzar insisted on keeping the word to maintain the song's innocence and child-like essence.
Bhardwaj composed the song on short notice after the original composer backed out.
Bhardwaj also noted a lack of children-targeted films and entertainment in the Indian film industry.
- Who
- Composer Vishal Bhardwaj and lyricist Gulzar
- What
- Recalled how Gulzar prevented the censorship of the word 'chaddi' from the 'Jungle Book' title track.
- When
- On Saturday at the Dehradun Literature Festival
- Where
- Dehradun Literature Festival
- Why
- NFDC bureaucrats flagged the word 'chaddi' as 'odd', but Gulzar argued it was essential for the song's innocence and child-like imagery.
Censorship Advocates
Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj
The word 'chaddi'
Censorship Advocates
Considered 'odd' by NFDC bureaucrats and potentially inappropriate for a children's song.
Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj
Insisted it maintained the innocence and child-like essence of the song, refusing to alter it.
- Event
- Dehradun Literature Festival (Seventh Edition)
- Date of Anecdote
- Saturday (during the festival)
- Song
- Title track for the Hindi-dubbed animated series 'Jungle Book'
- Key Figures Involved
- Vishal Bhardwaj (composer), Gulzar (lyricist), NFDC bureaucrats
- Key Word in Question
- 'chaddi'