28 years of Diljale: How Ajay Devgn's patriotic song Mera Mulk Mera Desh sparked international controversy

As Diljale turns 28, we explore Anu Malik's patriotic score and the controversy surrounding its similarity to the Israeli national anthem.

28 years of Diljale

Remember the song Mera Mulk Mera Desh for which users on X earlier accused Anu Malik of lifting its melody and lyrics from the Israeli national anthem Hatikvah? Yes, it's from the film Diljale, which has completed 28 years of release today. The 1996 romantic action movie, directed by Harry Baweja and written by Karan Razdan. Parmeet Sethi, Shakti Kapoor, Gulshan Grover, and Amrish Puri are among the supporting cast members, joining Ajay Devgn, Madhoo, and Sonali Bendre in the lead parts.

Overview of Diljale and its cast

In Diljale Raja Saab (Shakti Kapoor) slanders and kills Shyam's (Ajay Devgn) father (Akash Khurana) because he cannot tolerate his daughter's relationship with Shyam. Years down the road, Shyam comes back for retribution. The patriotism of Shyam impresses Radhika (Sonali Bendre). When her father arranges for Shyam's father's arrest and murder, the family experiences a difficult period.

ALSO READ: Sonali Bendre: I never let go of any opportunities that came my way and learned everything from that

Anu Malik composed the score for the eight songs in the film.

Israeli ambassador Noar Gilon's post on Anu Malik's score

In 2023, Noar Gilon, the Israeli ambassador to India, posted a clip of Anu Malik's patriotic score for Diljale which features the song Mera Mulk Mera Desh, which has become an internet sensation. The melody is strikingly similar to Hatikvah, the national anthem of Israel.

He wrote that he heard a wonderful Indian patriotic tune today, which moved him greatly. The melody and rhythm are so similar to Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah that he couldn't help but hear it. The Israeli Ambassador uploaded an audio clip featuring the flags of India and Israel, and the lines Mera desh mera mulk mera ye watan, shanti ka unnati ka pyaar ka chaman struck a chord with him, serving as a symbol of hope and unity.

Release and box office success of Diljale

With a budget of Rs. 5.55 crore and 225 screen layouts, Diljale premiered on September 27, 1996. On the first day, it made Rs. 71 lakhs, and throughout the opening weekend, it made Rs. 1.99 crore. Its gross collection in India was Rs. 15.46 crore, and in the first week, it was Rs. 3.52 crore. The total collection was Rs. 15.85 crore, while the adjusted net gross collections were Rs. 94.40 crore. The film was a smashing success at the Indian box office, earning a total of Rs. 9.09 crore.

Diljale is available to stream on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) and Prime Video.

ALSO READ: Being skinny was not the standard of beauty back in the 90s, says Sonali Bendre

Share