Indian Idol
Indian Idol 16Shah Rukh KhanUdit Narayan

Udit Narayan Thought ‘Jaadu Teri Nazar’ Was For Aamir; The Song Went to SRK in 1993 ‘Darr’

Anamika Rajput | 3 min read | 1 month ago | Oct 17, 2025 06:39 pm IST
Udit Narayan Thought 'Jaadu Teri Nazar' Was For Aamir; The Song Went to SRK in 1993 'Darr'

You know that iconic song “Jaadu Teri Nazar,” right? The one where Shah Rukh Khan strums a guitar and completely mesmerizes Juhi Chawla in “Darr.” It’s one of those tracks that’s practically synonymous with 90s Bollywood romance. But what if I told you the entire time that song was being recorded, the singer thought he was creating magic for a totally different Khan?

Yeah, it’s a wild story. On the brand new season of Indian Idol 16, the legendary Udit Narayan, who’s serving as a mentor-host, just casually dropped this piece of movie history. It’s a perfect anecdote for this season’s theme, “Yaadon Ki Playlist,” which is all about reliving the unforgettable music of the 90s.

A 1993 Turning Point

Let’s rewind the clock to 1993. Udit Narayan described this year as a massive turning point in his career. The one and only Yash Chopra was in the director’s chair for his next big film, “Darr,” and he was on a mission. He needed to find the absolute perfect voice for his hero.

At the time, Udit Narayan was already a household name. You couldn’t escape his voice, especially after the massive success of songs like “Papa Kehte Hain” from the film “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak.” So when someone suggested his name to Yash Chopra, it was a natural fit. He was called in for the recording session that would change everything.

The Big Aamir Khan Mix-Up

Here’s where it gets really interesting. When Udit Narayan walked into the studio to record “Jaadu Teri Nazar,” he was completely convinced the song was being picturized on Aamir Khan. But why? Look, it was a pretty logical assumption for him to make. He had delivered huge hits for Aamir before, and their singer-actor pairing was already a proven formula for success.

So, with Aamir in his mind, he poured his heart and soul into the recording. He created that smooth, romantic vocal that we all know and love today. He had absolutely no idea that a major casting twist was just around the corner, one that would make this song legendary for an entirely different reason.

And Then Came SRK

As we all know now, the role of the obsessive lover in “Darr” didn’t go to Aamir Khan. It went to a rising star named Shah Rukh Khan. When SRK was cast, the filmmakers listened to the already-recorded track and had a lightbulb moment. Udit Narayan’s voice didn’t just fit Shah Rukh Khan, it felt like it was made for him. It captured the exact blend of charm and intensity the character needed.

The rest, as they say, is history. The song became an anthem for SRK and one of the biggest hits of the decade. This incredible story just goes to show how many moving parts have to come together to create movie magic. It’s a reminder you can catch more of on Indian Idol Season 16, which premiered on October 18 on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

Honestly, can you even imagine “Jaadu Teri Nazar” with anyone other than Shah Rukh Khan on screen? Let us know what you think!