The year 1988 saw the release of ‘Tezaab‘, a film that became a milestone in Bollywood history, thanks in no small part to its sensational soundtrack. Among the many unforgettable tracks from the movie, one song that became a defining moment of the era was “Ek Do Teen”. The song not only catapulted Madhuri Dixit into superstardom but also marked a high point in Bollywood music and choreography. Today, as the iconic film turns 36, let’s dive deep into the making of the song creation and its journey full of struggles, creativity, and a touch of serendipity.
In an old interview with The Times of India, N Chandra not only shared the struggles behind the song but also reflected on how the song emerged into life after passing several tests.
Tezaab | Song – Ek Do Teen
The Beginning: Dummy Words and a Koli Tune
The iconic tune of “Ek Do Teen” came about in a rather unconventional way. Laxmikanth, one half of the famous composer duo Laxmikanth-Pyarelal, initially used the words “Ek do teen” as dummy placeholders when composing the song’s melody. According to N Chandra, the producer-director of ‘Tezaab’, these words were not meant to be the final lyrics but were simply used to get the musical rhythm right.
Chandra recalls that after a few fruitless sittings, where the team struggled to come up with a song that would suit Madhuri Dixit’s character Mohini’s dance sequence, he was certain that Laxmikanth would soon give up too. But Laxmikanth, ever the professional, refused to back down. It was during one of these sessions that Chandra shared a signature Koli folk tune playing in his head—a rhythmic pattern that went, “Ding dong ding, ding dong ding dong…” Being from Mumbai, Laxmikanth recognized the tune and immediately reached for his peti (harmonium). Within moments, he had crafted the tune for the song, using the placeholder words “Ek do teen, char, paanch, che, saat…”
Javed Akhtar: Crafting the Lyrics
Once the tune was set, it was time for Javed Akhtar to step in. The celebrated lyricist, known for his wordplay and emotional depth, was given the task of turning the dummy words into lyrics. Akhtar, using the rhythm of the numbers, transformed the words into a playful, urgent plea of love, where the girl urges her lover to return before the month is over. The lyrics captured the essence of the song perfectly, complementing the high-energy tune.
The Choreography by Saroj Khan and Madhuri’s Dedication
While the music was taking shape, the song’s choreography became equally pivotal to its success. Enter Saroj Khan, the legendary choreographer, who designed the moves that would go on to become iconic. Madhuri Dixit, who was just beginning to rise as a star at the time, threw herself into the rehearsals with unparalleled dedication.
According to Chandra, Madhuri practiced for three to four hours a day, every day for a month before the shoot. The rigorous rehearsals paid off, as her dance moves became the centerpiece of the song, blending grace and energy in a way that had never been seen before in Bollywood.
The Filming: A Marathon Shoot
The song was filmed on an extravagant set designed by Bijon Dasgupta at Mehbob Studios in Mumbai. However, as the shoot progressed, N Chandra faced a huge challenge—there were only eight days left to shoot the song, but a significant amount of work remained. Chandra quickly realized that they would need to finish the entire sequence within the limited time frame, as the set had to be dismantled by the next morning.
In what became a legendary feat of filmmaking, the team worked tirelessly to complete the shoot. They began at 9 a.m. and shot through the night, wrapping up the song at 10:30 a.m. the next day. This intense, almost 25-hour shoot crammed in three full 8-hour shifts.
Madhuri, who had come down with a fever during the shoot, was feeling the strain. At one point, she informed Chandra that her makeup was cracking and hoped he would call it a day. But Chandra, ever the perfectionist, advised the cinematographer Baba Azmi to take long shots to avoid the makeup issues, while Madhuri refreshed her look and carried on. She continued the shoot without complaint, demonstrating her professionalism and commitment to the project.
The Male Version: Anil Kapoor’s Enthusiasm
After seeing the rushes, Anil Kapoor, who played the male lead in Tezaab, reportedly expressed a desire to film a male version of the song. He believed that the track had such immense potential that it could be a massive hit if it featured a male counterpart. However, Chandra felt that it would be odd to mirror a song so specific to a female character’s emotional plea.
Nevertheless, Anil Kapoor was persistent, and Javed Akhtar was convinced to pen a male version of the song. Though it never made it to the final film, the idea of a male version became a point of much discussion, adding another layer to the song’s enduring popularity. In a recent appearance on The Kapil Sharma Show, Anil Kapoor shared this amusing anecdote about the creation of the song, proving that even after all these years, the song’s legacy continues to bring laughter and joy. Even today as the film completes its successful 36 years of release, the ‘Animal’ actor shared a video on his social media, where in some guys are dancing on the male version if the song, ‘Ek Do Teen’.
Legacy: The Song That Defined an Era
The release of Tezaab and the success of “Ek Do Teen” became a defining moment in Bollywood history. The song not only established Madhuri Dixit as a top actress but also cemented Saroj Khan’s reputation as one of the best choreographers in the industry. It was a masterful blend of music, lyrics, and dance, all of which came together in a way that few songs ever do.
“Ek Do Teen” remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic songs, a perfect example of creative collaboration, perseverance, and a little bit of magic. Its impact is felt to this day, with every new generation of filmgoers discovering the joy of this classic hit.
