Raj Khosla, director of Woh Kaun Thi, was initially not happy with ‘Lag Jaa Gale’ song.
Veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar’s passing away on April 5, 2025 has left millions of fans across the globe heartbroken. Besides being a pioneer of patriotic films, the legend also gave his memorable gems belonging to other genres. One of them is Raj Khosla’s 1964 mystery-thriller, Woh Kaun Thi, co-starring Sadhana.
Talk about that film and the first thing that crosses your mind is the iconic ‘Lag Jaa Gale’ song which continues to enthrall different generations even after more than six decades! However, you guys would be surprised to know that the film’s director Raj Khosla had initially rejected this track which went on to become one of the biggest hits in Hindi cinema!
In a throwback interview with Filmfare, Manoj Kumar had revealed, “The song ‘Lag jaa gale’ filmed on us (him and Sadhana) is beautiful. It has a story behind it. One day Madan Mohan (late composer) called me and said, “Raj ka dimag kharab ho gaya hai (lost his mind). He’s calling a good song bogus. Please come and listen to it.” The next day NN Sippy and I took Raj to Madan’s place on the pretext of hearing new tunes. He first played ‘Lag jaa gale’. After it was over, there was a silence. Raj got up from the seat, went to the door, picked up his shoe, and started beating himself. “In what bloody mood was I to reject the song!”
He had also shared that Sadhana was a bit hesitant about signing Woh Kaun Thi.
“When director Raj Khosla approached Sadhana to team up with me for Woh Kaun Thi. she said, “Somehow our films together don’t work.” But Raj said, “Don’t worry; two negatives will make a positive,” Kumar had told the publication.
Raj Khosla’s decision to include ‘Lag Jaa Gale’ song in Woh Kaun Thi worked in his favour and the rest is history!
Woh Kaun Thi revolves around Anand, a well-respected doctor, who is plagued by a series of eerie events after he gives a lift to a mysterious lady on a stormy night.
