Aaj Hai Sagaai: the new version

This is a short behind-the-scenes film from my new version of Aaj Hai Sagaai — the evergreen engagement song from Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha. A celebration of love, laughter and those unforgettable shaadi moments. I am so thankful to the whole team for their efforts; the song has had a lovely response.

The original

Aaj Hai Sagaai is from Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, directed by Anees Bazmee, produced by Gordhan Tanwani for Baba Films, and released on 24 July 1998, with Ajay Devgn and Kajol in the lead. The song was sung by Abhijeet and Alka Yagnik, composed by Jatin–Lalit, with lyrics by Sameer. The soundtrack was one of the best-selling albums of 1998.

In the film, the song arrives at a birthday party where Nisha announces her engagement to Rahul — the same Rahul who has just left Sanjana, Kajol’s character. So the celebration on screen has a sting in it, and that mix of joy and drama is part of why the song is so memorable.

What the words mean

Aaj hai sagaai simply means “today is the engagement”. A sagaai is the ring ceremony — the day two families say yes to each other, before the wedding itself. The song is all teasing, dancing and happiness, which is exactly why it has been played at engagement functions ever since.

The team behind my version

This version was a real team effort. The lyrics for it are by Prisca, the music is by R3zR and Mehfuz, with mixing and mastering by R3zR. Ravinder Roby was behind the camera and did the edit, and the film was made by AVIO Production. The behind-the-scenes clip above is a small glimpse of the day we shot it — the people, the set and the fun that don’t make it into the final video.

A shoot like this takes a lot of people for a few minutes of music: planning, costumes, lights, retakes, and everyone keeping the energy up. I wanted this post to say thank you to them.

Watch the full song

The complete song is on my YouTube channel: watch Aaj Hai Sagaai here. If this song reminds you of your sister’s wedding, your best friend’s engagement or your own big day, this one is for you.

Please like, comment and share it with someone who has a sagaai coming up — and tell me in the comments which wedding song you would like me to sing next.

Credits at a glance

Original: Aaj Hai Sagaai, from Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998). Singers: Abhijeet and Alka Yagnik. Music: Jatin–Lalit. Lyrics: Sameer. Director: Anees Bazmee. Producer: Gordhan Tanwani (Baba Films). Starring Ajay Devgn and Kajol. Label: Sony Music India.

My version: Singer: Sushmita Srivastava. Lyrics: Prisca. Music: R3zR and Mehfuz. Mixing and mastering: R3zR. Camera and edit: Ravinder Roby. Film by AVIO Production.

Listen next

For more wedding songs, listen to my version of Mujhe Haq Hai, and there is a longer piece about Aaj Hai Sagaai and why wedding songs are special to me here on the blog.