Thumka Thursdays: Madhuri Gives Sholay a Theme Song

There are only two songs that, when they play over the Desilicious speakers, I toss my drink aside (and I NEVER waste a Ciroc coconut soda), throw on my invisible ghungroo and jump on the center box to bust out the film’s exact choreography in its entirety. One of those songs is Madhuri Dixit’s “Aaja Nachle.”

From the first tinkle of payal, this song gets all the queens excited to personify the original dancing queen. While we may all have a soft spot for her kaathil moves, the song itself is holds an important message. Take a look at the lyrics:

Sabko bhulaake nachle, aaja nachle nachle, mere yaar tu nachle

The idea of forgetting about everything else in the world and just dancing with abandon may as well be the thesis of Sholay! The founders have created a safe space for queer Desis to come together, indulge in their love for Bollywood sans judgement (except from those bitches whose lives are so heinous and void of happiness and sex that they have nothing better to do than judge the rest of us). Getting up on the platform and letting my thumka run wild, I always have an *ah-ha* moment. Through the vodka haze I take in my surroundings and think — it’s amazing that I have found a place where I can be me. #doyou — that’s the mantra.

Enough with my senti diatribe. Let’s talk about the song!

Madhuri’s 1000-watt smile, liquid eyes, gentle nazaakat and killer thumka are brilliantly featured in the title song to her comeback film. When Aaja Nachle released, bollyheads were split in their reaction to her return. There were those who thought: A dance film? Isn’t that a bit obvious? And then there were the smart people who realized: We get to watch Madhuri dance again. This is heaven on earth.

Although the film didn’t do well at the box office, no detractor dared hate on Madhuri’s dancing skill. She glided across the stage in “Aaja Nachle” with the same effortlessness we saw in her first films, but with a new sense of maturity and an even stronger command over her body and sexuality. There wasn’t a need for over the top (aka slutty) dhak dhak/bosom grabbing movements or tiny cholis. The most seductive moment of the piece is the extended tatkaar section of bombastic hip movements and natural body rolls at 2:45 (I love me a good body roll). It’s understated, sexy as hell, and the epitome of why we love Madhuri.

A shout out does have to go to the ever fabulous Vaibhavi Merchant for her stellar choreo! Her rendition of the song may actually surpass that of Madhuri’s…please don’t hit me with your joote or take my paisa. Such kabhi kabhi hoti hai, na — even for the biggest Mads fan. See below, you’ll know what I mean.

All in all, “Aaja Nachle” is the #doyou mantra come to life and caught on screen. Madhuri Dixit came back doing what she knows best: thumak-ing. She did her — and we couldn’t ask for a more hip-tastic return!