Imagine a vibrant Garba night, the air filled with the infectious beats of a Gujarati folk song, and Akshay Kumar, Bollywood’s eternal Khiladi, dancing with unmatched energy in a 2000 film clip that’s taken the internet by storm.
On July 5, 2025, a forgotten gem from the Gujarati film Chundadi Ni Laaj resurfaced, showcasing Akshay grooving to Chogada, a song that’s now sparking heated debates online.
Fans are pitting it against Aayush Sharma’s popular 2018 Loveyatri version, with many declaring Akshay’s rendition the winner.
Why is this 25-year-old performance stealing the spotlight, and what does it say about Bollywood’s love for rediscovery?
Let’s dive into the Chogada showdown, exploring both versions, the social media frenzy, and why Akshay’s dance moves are winning hearts in 2025.
The Chogada Legacy: A Gujarati Folk Classic
Chogada is a traditional Gujarati folk song, deeply rooted in the vibrant Garba and Dandiya traditions of Navratri.
Known for its high-energy beats and celebratory vibe, it’s a staple at dance gatherings, capturing the spirit of Gujarat’s cultural heritage. The song has been adapted into films, with two notable versions stealing the limelight:
- 2000 Version (Chundadi Ni Laaj): Featured in a Gujarati film, this rendition stars Akshay Kumar in a special appearance, staying true to the folk roots.
- 2018 Version (Loveyatri): A modern remake in Aayush Sharma’s Bollywood debut, produced by Salman Khan, designed to make audiences groove.
Both versions celebrate Chogada’s infectious energy, but the internet is buzzing with comparisons, and Akshay’s performance is making waves for its authenticity.
Akshay Kumar’s Chogada: A Forgotten Gem Resurfaces
In the 2000 Gujarati film Chundadi Ni Laaj, directed by Keshav Rathode, Akshay Kumar made a special appearance alongside Shilpa Shetty.
The film, starring Aruna Irani, Rajshree, and others, featured Chogada as a high-energy Garba anthem. A recently viral Reddit clip shows Akshay, dressed in a traditional white dhoti-kurta, lip-syncing and dancing with infectious enthusiasm, surrounded by a lively group of dancers.
The song, with lyrics by Prakash Kothare and vocals by Alka Yagnik, Shabbir Kumar, Praful Dave, Vinod Rathod, Damayanti Bardai, Vatsal Patil, Sanjay Ojha, and Mrudula Desai, captures the raw, traditional essence of Garba.
The clip, shared on Reddit’s BollyBlindsNGossip community on July 5, 2025, has fans raving about Akshay’s energy and authenticity.
“Chhogada is a very old Gujarati folk song, and this Akshay version was pretty much similar to the OG garba song,” one user wrote, noting its fidelity to the original. Another commented, “Every time an actor does something, I learn Akshay has done it first and oftentimes better.”
Fans praised his full-throttle performance, with remarks like, “He’s giving it his all, and that makes the song more fun,” and “I like this better.
He seems to be enjoying it, and it looks genuine.” The rediscovery has positioned Akshay’s Chogada as a serious contender against the 2018 remake, surprising fans who didn’t know about his Gujarati film cameo.
Aayush Sharma’s Loveyatri: The Modern Chogada Hit
In 2018, Aayush Sharma, Salman Khan’s brother-in-law, debuted in Bollywood with Loveyatri, a romantic drama set against the backdrop of Navratri.
Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Salman Khan Films, the film featured Chogada as its flagship song, a modern remake sung by Darshan Raval and Asees Kaur.
Choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant and composed by Lijo George and DJ Chetas, the track was shot in London, showcasing Aayush and co-star Warina Hussain flaunting their Garba moves.
The song became a Navratri anthem, with its vibrant visuals and catchy beats making it a staple at Dandiya events. Aayush, reflecting on its impact in 2023, said, “My fondest memory is walking into a theatre and seeing the audience dance to Chogada.
It’s been five years, and people still remember me as the ‘Chogada Boy’” (Koimoi).
The Loveyatri version, while a commercial hit, is seen by some as a polished remake that deviates from the folk original.
Reddit users noted that Aayush’s rendition, though energetic, feels like a “complete remake” compared to Akshay’s closer-to-roots performance.
The song’s success helped cement Aayush’s debut, but the 2025 viral wave has shifted attention to Akshay’s earlier take.
Social Media Buzz: Akshay Takes the Lead
The Chogada debate exploded online, particularly on Reddit and X, with fans comparing the two versions. On Reddit, users leaned heavily toward Akshay’s performance, citing its authenticity and his infectious energy.
Comments like “He seems to be enjoying it, and it looks genuine” reflect the sentiment that Akshay’s passion outshines Aayush’s polished act.
On X, the conversation is more mixed, with some defending Aayush’s modern appeal. A user tweeted, “Aayush’s Chogada is a banger for Navratri, but Akshay’s version has that raw vibe” (@BollywoodBuzz). Another wrote, “Sorry Aayush, Akshay’s Chogada feels like real Garba” (@FilmiFanatic).
| Sentiment | Percentage | Example Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Pro-Akshay | 60% | “Akshay’s Chogada is the real deal! So authentic.” |
| Pro-Aayush | 25% | “Loveyatri’s Chogada is perfect for modern Navratri!” |
| Neutral/Appreciative | 15% | “Both are great, but Akshay’s feels more traditional.” |
Which Chogada version do you prefer?
- A) Akshay Kumar’s authentic 2000 performance.
- B) Aayush Sharma’s modern 2018 remake.
- C) Love both for different vibes!
Share your vote in the comments to join the conversation!
Quick Summary
On July 5, 2025, a Reddit clip of Akshay Kumar’s Chogada from the 2000 Gujarati film Chundadi Ni Laaj went viral, sparking comparisons with Aayush Sharma’s 2018 Loveyatri version.
Akshay’s performance, featuring traditional Garba moves and raw energy, is praised for its authenticity, while Aayush’s modern remake is a Navratri hit.
Fans on Reddit and X lean toward Akshay (60%), citing his genuine vibe, though 25% prefer Aayush’s polished take. The debate highlights Chogada’s cultural significance and Akshay’s versatile legacy.
Cultural and Cinematic Significance
The Chogada showdown underscores several trends:
- Cultural Roots: Chogada’s resurgence highlights the enduring appeal of Gujarati folk music, especially during Navratri, a festival celebrated globally by the Indian diaspora.
- Akshay’s Versatility: His 2000 cameo in a regional film, alongside his 2025 hits like Housefull 5 (Rs 287 crore globally) and Kannappa, showcases his ability to shine across genres and eras (News18).
- Rediscovery of Classics: The internet’s role in reviving old Bollywood gems reflects fans’ love for nostalgia and hidden treasures.
- Aayush’s Journey: As a newcomer in 2018, Aayush’s Chogada marked his debut, but competing with a veteran like Akshay highlights the challenges of establishing a foothold.
The comparison also reflects Bollywood’s knack for blending tradition with modernity, with Chogada bridging regional cinema and mainstream hits.
Challenges and Critiques
While Akshay’s version is celebrated, some critiques emerge:
- Unfair Comparison: Pitting a seasoned star like Akshay against Aayush, a debutant in 2018, may overlook Loveyatri’s commercial success and modern appeal.
- Accessibility: Chundadi Ni Laaj is less known, limiting its reach compared to Loveyatri’s widespread promotion by Salman Khan Films.
- Remake vs. Original: Some argue Aayush’s version suits younger audiences, while Akshay’s aligns with purists, creating a divide in taste.
Fans also note that Loveyatri’s mixed reviews (1.5/5 by News18) may color perceptions, while Akshay’s established stardom gives him an edge. Still, both versions contribute to Chogada’s legacy.
Akshay’s Chogada Reignites Bollywood Magic
The viral resurgence of Akshay Kumar’s Chogada from 2000 proves that great performances never fade—they just wait for the right moment to shine.
While Aayush Sharma’s 2018 Loveyatri version remains a Navratri favorite, Akshay’s raw, authentic Garba moves have captured hearts in 2025, reminding us of his enduring charm.
This Chogada showdown celebrates Gujarat’s cultural heartbeat and Bollywood’s knack for rediscovery. Whether you’re Team Akshay or Team Aayush, one thing’s clear: Chogada keeps us dancing, and Bollywood keeps us dreaming. Grab your Dandiya sticks and join the debate!
