6 Bantai Songs That Popularized Tapori Culture

Tapori songs were a rage in the 90s; from Govinda to Aamir Khan to Salman Khan. They had at least one crass sounding song in each film (delusion can be heart-warming) which didn’t insult any one type of person, class or creed, except for the people who spoke that language. But it was taken in fun spirit.

It’s a shame that they aren’t made these days and unfortunate item songs have found a place in Hindi cinema. Here’s a plea to bring them back and remind one of the sheer exuberance of zero-pretence it filled listeners with. #MaushiChiG****!

“Mumbai Police”

Sanjay Dutt is no stranger to appealing to Romeos, roadside or otherwise, after the hit Munnabhai films. But with Department, which released in 2012, he set a new mark in wearing the tapori trend on his sleeve, or uniform. He dances to, ‘Mumbai Police to sab ka bhai, bantai’. Bantai, for those not in the know is Mumbai slang for ‘tapori’. Also, please note the wastage of gunshots and marvellous lighting. And police coordination. Crime does not have a future in our country, do you hear, Crime? Do you?

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“Apun Bola”

The time when SRK did Josh, he was seriously considering reengineering his career as Hrithik Roshan’s debut Kaho Na Pyaar Hai was setting trails of fire. *OMG Duggu’s biceps*. “Apun Bola” was his alleged strategy. He decided to sing and a rapchik song at that, which confirmed his position as the spotlight-gobbling actor that he is and was.

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“Excuse Me”

Not many expected anything out of Sharman Joshi and what’s-that-other-guy’s-name-with-a-spectacular-physique in their debut film Style. But, it made a lot of naysayers laugh when it released on TV. What caught everyone’s ear though was the song “Excuse Me, kya re, mera dil tere pe fida re” to which no girl ever responded except Riya Sen. Now you know what happens when you react to such pickup proposals. Riya, hmm.

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“Ganpat”

It was a comeback like no other for Vivek Oberoi with “Ganpat, chal daru la”. Reportedly, there are men, who to this day, ask waiters to politely bring them alcoholic beverages using this catchphrase, and as a result few honourable women have been deeply enticed by it, thus convinced to make eye contact. Oooo! Reportedly, again. Don’t forget. It’s a report. Let’s not argue.

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“Goli Maar Bheje Mein”

Satya, a fine film by RGV in its entirety, proposed the murky idea of gangsters engaged in gang wars, and under Vishal Bharadwaj’s musicianship released “Goli Maar” which would stick on for years to come. And yes, how can one forget the ghaati dancing to “Sapnon Mein Milti Hai” where Manoj Bajpai’s street-side nuances are absolutely impossible to dislike.

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“Aati Kya Khandala”

Imagine Aamir Khan doing this song today. He might not be able to, but he sure did make the sale of chikkis in Lonavala shoot the roof when this song released in the 1998 film Ghulam. And, yes the matchstick on the tongue being put off. Whattey style!

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