A musical debate has emerged around Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film ‘King’, with its song ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’ drawing comparisons to Bengali singer-songwriter Moushumi Bhowmik’s much-loved track ‘Ami Shunechi Shedin Tumi’.
The discussion gained traction after a listener tagged Bhowmik in a social media post, highlighting what they considered similarities between the melodies. However, the singer said she did not hear the resemblance in the same way.
Bhowmik also offered some insight into the musical roots of her composition, pointing to the influence of Bengali folk traditions, particularly Panchali.
She explained that the opening phrase of ‘Ami Shunechi Shedin Tumi’ draws on a musical expression found in Panchali, although the song gradually moves beyond that influence.
Reflecting on how musical similarities can arise, Bhowmik recalled a friend once comparing one of her songs with the music of Joan Baez. She said artists often carry traces of music they have encountered, whether consciously or unconsciously.
“We all carry shadows, knowingly or unknowingly. I do too. So do you. We see the shadows of those we know and recognise in other people’s faces,” she said.
The singer added that recognising similarities between songs was not necessarily wrong, but such observations did not automatically prove a connection or copying.
“If someone genuinely copies something exactly from another person and passes it off as their own, then of course it is worth thinking about. Otherwise, do not think about it this way,” she said.
